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54
Apparently there is much greater pollution on the Southend side than on
the Sheerness side, as is shown by the sample between West and Middle
Shoebury Buoy, 0.034, compared with sample taken one mile below Garrison
Point Fort, 0'0035, but the former sample was taken in the track of the
Southend effluent when it was at its maximum intensity. whereas the effluent
from Sheerness at that time must have been small in quantity, and the degree
of pollution not so great.
Nos. 7-15, taken under similar conditions, represents the pollution due to
the outfall of sewage effluent at Barking, and the condition of the water
greatly improves from 2.099 to 0.536 one mile below the outfall.
There is an outfall at Crossness which would have shown similar results,
but for the purposes of this Report it was not deemed necessary to take
samples at Crossness.
Nos. 22.26 represents a series of samples. The first specimen was taken
within three yards of the outfall of the Southend sewer.
Crude sewage containing masses of human excrement was pouring out in
great volume, and the odour given off was extremely offensive.
The outfall could be located at a distance by the presence of a large number
of seagulls feeding there, and in the vicinity by its appearance ; it was
interesting to note that the solid constituents of the sewage floating in the
water were being attacked by numerous living creatures of the crustacean
type akin to the shrimp.
The stream of sewage could be distinctly traced for nearly a mile by the
scum visible upon the surface of the water as well as by floating human
excrement.
The samples of water were taken a foot below the surface, and it will be
noted that the quantity of free ammonia diminishes from 1.079 to .034 halfway
between West and Middle Shoebury buoys, and agree practically with
the sample taken above the Southend outfall.
Nos. 27.29 show the condition of the water in the Medway above the
outfall of the Sheerness sewer at Minster.
A sample taken 200 yards above the outfall shows .003, and at the outfall
.019. This diminishes to .005 at Garrison Point, increases to .0065 below
Garrison Point, which may be due to the pollution from Garrison Point Fort
and Dockyards, and again improves lower down.