Sewage Effluent

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30056, 14 February 1963, Page 3

Sewage Effluent

Sir, —In an article in Saturday’s issue Mr J. B. Snoad, senior inspector of health, draws attention to the danger to health of insufficient drainage from septic tanks. He goes so far as to advocate that house-building should not be allowed in these areas, until “proper sewage-disposal facilities are available.” Why, then, is effluent from a septic tank allowed to drain into the Avon while the regular sewerage pipe passes the frontage of the property, and has done so for the last 25 years? Would Mr Snoad not agree that this is a menace to a greater number of children than a tank drainage confined to a house owner’s own ection? The writer would like Mr Snoad to publish his opinion. Particulars could be obtained from the Drainage Board—Yours, etc., RIVER RESIDENT. February 11, 1963. [The senior inspector of health (Mr J. B. Snoad) said: “The discharge of septic tank effluent into the Avon river is not permitted and the Christchurch Drainage Board can require a property owner to connect to the sewer if the sewer is suitably located. ‘River Resident’ should give details to the Chief Inspector, Christchurch Drainage Board.”]