DISPOSAL OF SULLAGE

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28053, 22 August 1956, Page 15

DISPOSAL OF SULLAGE

PROBLEM IN AREA NOT SEWERED

DANGER TO HEALTH IN SUMNER FORESEEN

What it described as another typical example of the situation which arose when large concentrations of houses were built in unsewered areas without Proper ground soakage, was reported to the Christchurch Drainage Board last evening by the works committee. .. Be J? re the board w as a letter from the State Advances Corporation about household drainage from State rental houses in Morrison avenue, Boyne avenue, and Virgil dace. Papanui. The corporation said it was experiencing considerable difficulty in disposing of sullage from some houses, as there was insufficient soakage in the ground and not enough surface area to provide an adequate evaporation system, with the result that pits overflowed. In some cases, the corporation had tried to overcome the problem by installing additional field tile drains, but that had not been successful, as the trench had filled with water before the pipes and metal could be placed in position.

With warmer weather approaching, the corporation considered that there would be a definite danger to health. It asked for the board’s consent to disposal of the sullage through street channels after it had passed through an adequate filter. The board agreed with the proposal, subject to the filter being to the satisfaction of its engineer, endorsement of the proposal by the Health Department, and co-operation by the local authority concerned. Mr R. C. Neville said that if a nuisance was still created, the board should revert to the status quo. Mr F. R. Price said the Government bad built houses in the area against the express advice of the board not to do so. and had got itself into difficulties.