DRAINAGE FROM TANNERY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18304, 14 January 1920, Page 4

DRAINAGE FROM TANNERY.

A'WOOLSTONOQMPriAINTv , A complaint of nuisance at Hill's Tannery, Woolston, was investigated at Monday nightf s meeting of the Woolston Borough Council, when Br Chesson, district health officer, reported on a visit he had made to the tannery in company with the Mayor and the town clerk. - In his report Dr Chesson stated that there was reasonable justification for the complaint. Improvements Bad been effected, bat were left in an unfinished state. The holes forming the previous system of drainage disposal had not been properly filled in and they remained as stagnant pools. The drainage was now disposed of by means of a long, bricked race, intercepted at freSuent intervals by baffles and scumoards. The far end of it, however, had not been finished off, and there was a space between the end of the bricked race and the oulvert under the road, which was in an offensive condition. At these works it was the practice to clean out the sediment from the upper; portions of the race while the drainage was passing through. This stirred up the sediment which was carried on lower down the race. In consequence the race never got a chance to do its work properly, and the final effluent was not satisfactory. " The method of cleaning Is also at fault,'' tbe report added, ,r in that the material is thrown up into an earth channel above the drain, which is in a, most disgusting condition. There' is a gross carelessness and obvious want of attention in the conduct of the outside portions of these works. Several defects were noticed in the sanitary arrangements and general condition, apart from the drainage. In order to remedy the defects found, the owner of this tannery should be required to have the following work carried out forthwith:— (1) To complete the end of the drainage race and connect same up with the culvert passing under the road to the river. (2) To finish off the race in its entire length, so that there are no hollows and depressions along its'banks. (3)_ To duplicate the first 100 feet of this race, so that one-half can be shut off for cleaning while the other part is still working. (4) To provide a concrete floor along the side of the duplicated portion where the refuse lifted from the race in the course of cleaning can be deposited and allowed to drain, the drainage from the floor passing back into the raoe. This floor, for convenience of working, could be placed so that it can be used from either race. fl>) That on no account should any disturbance take place, or cleansing attempted, while the race is conveying the drainage. > It must be seen always that the portion to be cleaned is shut off before operations are commenced. (6) That all hollows in the portion of the old settling ponds be filled in. (7) That the sanitary conveniences be overhauled, repaired and properly cleaned out. and that more care be exercised with regard to these conveniences. (8) That the premises generally be tidied up, cleaned, and all rubbish and waste material buried or destroyed." It was resolved to send a copy of-the report to the Hospital Board with a request that the recommendation should be carried out.