an SEWERAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 13 March 1936, Page 3

an SEWERAGE

CONNECTIONS WITH OLD SYSTEM SEWAGE IN STORMWATER DRAINS ENGINEER’S REPORT TO COUNCIL Tlie present state of Nelson’s sewerage system was outlined in a report submitted to last night’s meeting of the City Council by the City Engineer (Mr J. G. Littlejohn). From the report it appears that tlie system installed in 1908 has never operated to the lull satisfaction of the authorities, and in addition a. difficulty has always been presented by the fact that quite large blocks of bouses in various parts of the,city have remained connected to the old sewer system, resulting in sewage being delivered through wlmt should be stormwater drainage only. The old system discharges into the Maitai oil the northern side of the tip. THE REPORT The Engineer’s report, which was accompanied by a plan, was as follows: — “Herewith are plans showing premises still connected with the old system of gravitational sewers which discharge at the tip. In many cases these premises have remained connected with tlie old system because no new sewers have yet been provided, but why those within reach of the new system have not been forced to connect with it is a matter of history prior to my time. The policy has been to allow them to remain on the old system so long as the house drains remain in satisfactory condition and no additions or, extensive alterations were made to sanitary appliances. "For the information of councillors who did not know Nelson when the new drainage system was inaugurated iti 1908, 1 may say that tlie whole scheme was badly conceived and the carrying out of it infinitely worse, so much so that there was organised opposition for some time against forcing householders to connect with it.

“It was evident from the outset that tlie septic tank could not function because of the leakage of subsoil tind tide waters into the sewers. Tlie tank itself leaked and became flooded at high tide.

“Added to this the old sewers are unable to cope with the stormwater in time of flood, and what they cannot deal with ru»z- down the manholes of the new system and drowns it out. “Under the circumstances there was and is nothing to be gained by putting additional work on the ejectors necessary to pump the sewage into the septic tank. The bypass was open when I became City Engineer in 1911 and it has remained so ever since. The outlet is into the deep water channel which follows the Boulder Bank nearly a mile away and tho effluent can do no harm there. "Tlie effluent from the old sewers is a different matter. It discharges, as stated, at tho outer end of tlie tip at the mouth, of the river, and if crude sewage is found ou the foreshore it comes from this' source and not from the new system.

“To reconstruct what is termed ‘the new system’ would be a far greater undertaking than the original putting of it

“The expansion of the city will demand a. reconstruction but the time is not ouite yet. "The pressing consideration is the removal of sewage from tlie stormwater drains so that the flooding of the low lying area may be overcome. “The extensions of. the new system will be largely through private property which is no doubt the reason why they were not put in as part of the original scheme.

“1 anticipate it will not find favour when I say that the proper procedure is to go ahead regardless of opposition or protest.” Councillor E. R. Neale commented that the plans had amazed him. The number of bouses within readi of the sewer which could be connected but were not, and the number which could not readli the new system, was surprising. There was a block of 24 houses in one part which could be connected, and (here was a block of 20 houses in another area which could not be connected, mid were oil the old system. CONSIDERATION NEXT THURSDAY It was decided to adjourn last night’s meeting until next Thursday evening for tlie purpose of considering the position, of the sewage system and other Council business,