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land is set apart for the reception of the storm overflow water,
which is provided to give relief to the sewers during heavy rains.
The level of the land receiving the effluent is very low, being very
little above the water level of the Hoggsmill River, and is subject
to flooding, several floods having occurred during the year ending
31st December last. The land is also insufficient in area to deal
with the volume of water which has of necessity to be put upon it.
A considerable amount of labour is necessary to keep the
land in a proper condition, but it undoubtedly performs a useful
purpose, in retaining the suspended matters which at times pass
from the contact beds. It is a matter for regret, that owing to
the levels not being satisfactory, the adjoining land, owned by the
Council, and purchased for sewage purposes, cannot be used for
irrigating the effluent after passing through the contact beds.
The final effluent can be regarded as a good one, and satisfies
the Thames Conservancy.
Sludge Disposal. -The sludge deposited in the sedimentation
tank is cleared at regular intervals into a sludge well, and from
thence it is pumped by means of a chain pump into carriers,
which gravitate into shallow lagoons, situated near the press
house. The sludge is allowed to settle, dried, and is then
disposed of locally. I have not received any complaints regarding
this method of disposal since its inauguration.
Until about four months ago the sludge was pumped into
tumblers and carted to a remote part of the farm, a method which
was both offensive and costly, and a considerable sum has been
saved in horse labour by the adoption of the improved method.
R. H. JEFFES, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E.,
Engineer and Surveyor.
In closing the report, I draw attention to the very excellent
and detailed report of Mr. Hunter, your Sanitary Inspector, who
has supported me in the various duties of the Health Department,
loyally throughout the year. To the Clerk and those officials who
I have had the pleasure to consult, I return grateful thanks for
courteous and ready advice and assistance rendered to me on
many occasions.
I am,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
RASHELL DAVISON, m.d., m.r.c.s., England.