USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1862-1866 > Part 52
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The introduction of water, its general distribution and use in our houses and shops, admitted to be so great a benefaction to our people, becomes a source of trouble in domestic uses, as well as a nuisance in a sanitary point of view, if provision is not made for conducting the same away when its use is accom- plished. As facts present themselves, we are now conducting into the city from Leicester and distributing to our citizens between four and five hundred thousand gallons of water every day, and no adequate arrangements have been made for dispos- ing of the same after its purposes have been fulfilled.
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In the densely populated sections of the city, the extension of the water pipe should be preceded, if possible, by the construc- tion of a sewer through the street, which should be deemed as necessary on domestic and sanitary grounds, as the reception and discharge pipes are in the common articles of daily use. The pipes for distributing water are now laid through 102,000 feet of streets, and aro constantly and rapidly increasing, while there is found to be but 8062 feet of properly constructed sewers ; 8655 feet of stone drains have been laid through the streets, designed for under-drainage in the traveled way, and to conduct the surface water from the same. These drains are now taking the place of sewers ; but as they cannot be devoted to this purpose a great length of time, being only a few feet beneath the surface and liable to constant obstruction and con- tinued filling up, are not considered as entering into the general system of sewerage.
In projecting and establishing a system of so much impor- tance to the present demands and prospective wants of our growing city, the committee cannot but appreciate the peculiar responsibility which necessarily rests upon them in the dis- charge of the duty imposed, and having endeavored to compre- hend the whole subject in its broadest sense, would submit the same to the judgment of all, for such alteration and modifica- tion as may be deemed expedient, and as experience shall hereafter dictate.
While but a small part of the plan suggested will be consum- mated at once, but will progress year by year as the demand for extension shall present itself, still it is deemed of the first importance before any action is taken, or any expense incurred, that the whole general plan should be laid out and adopted, thereby warranting systematic action, and a judicious expendi- ture in the outlay. With a plan perfected and a system estab- lished, any outlay made in any section of the city will be but perfecting a part of the great whole, which in time will produce the completeness of this greatly desired material improvement.
In the full consideration of this whole matter of sewerage, the committee would direct your attention to the important features which naturally present themselves in the proper analysis of the subject.
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1st. The main channels by which the sewerage is to be re- ceived and conducted beyond the limits of the city.
2d. The general arterial system of sewers to be constructed in the streets, to meet the present as well as the prospective demands of the city.
3d. The system of payment for the expenses incurred in lay- ing out and preparing the main channels, and in the constru- tion of sewers; also the plan of an equitable assessment upoll those estates directly benefitted.
1st. THE MAIN CHANNELS which are to receive the discharge of the sewers in its transit beyond the city limits have been care- fully prospected and surveyed, and a plan made of each. These natural receptacles and outlets, situated at the base of the hills, are confined to those sources which, anterior to the settlement of the town, conducted the surface water as it collected from the higher lands to a point of delivery known as Blackstone river. No more feasible or economical method presents itself than to appropriate these natural streams or water courses as the main channels for our sewerage. The diversity of surface in our city, and the many and varied slopes of land, prescribe the points of drainage and the system to be adopted, as abso- lutely defined by nature, and are enumerated as follows :
MILL BROOK, which extends from Grove street through the length of our city to Green street, a distance of 9420 feet in its present circuitous path, and about 8437 feet in a more direct line. This is the natural outlet for a large proportion of the sewerage of the most densely settled section, which includes the territory defined by the southerly slope of the hills on the east- erly and northerly side of the city, and from Grove Mill along the line of Harvard and Chestnut streets, to Elm and Pleasant streets, embracing Front street, a portion of Park street, and Green street, including Main street as far south as Park street, and comprising an area of about 1552 acres. The tributaries of this brook which extend several miles north of the city, and which at certain seasons add very largely to the body of water to be conducted, have been carefully surveyed, and the water shed above the Grove Mills is computed at 5024 acres. In per-
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manently locating and defining the channel of Mill brook, it is therefore absolutely necessary to make provision for the free passage of the maximum amount of water which would under any circumstances collect, thereby rendering an overflow im- possible. This brook, which has occasioned so much trouble and expensive litigation, flowing through the most densely set- tled manufacturing district of our city, furnishes water power to three mannfactories, a dam of seven feet existing at the Ames Plow Company's shop, Lincoln Square ; a dam of four feet at Lombard's machine shop, School street; and a more important dam at Fox's factory. The present course of the stream is very circuitous, and by encroachments of the abuttors, together with the constant accretion and concretion of foreign substances, has become so contracted and filled up as to render an overflow of its shallow banks almost certain when there is an accumulation of water. This liability of overflow is very much augmented by the present angular direction of the current, which in its detour from School street to Exchange street, presents two angles of nearly ninety degrees, offering great facility for ob- struction. After a careful examination and survey of this brook, from Fox's dam to the Grove Mill, a plan has been pre- pared showing its course, and its relation to the streets, estates and buildings bordering thereon. Levels have also been taken, and a profile made, exhibiting the fall as it now exists, and de- fining the grade which it is proposed to establish in laying out a permanent water course.
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LINCOLN BROOK, which is 13,556 feet in length, rises on the northerly side of Highland street, and crossing in its course Highland, North Ashland, Elm, Russell, Pleasant, Austin, Bel- levue, Chandler, Mason, Newton, May and Beaver streets, has its outlet at Coc's Pond, New Worcester. This brook is the natural outlet for the sewerage in the western section of the city, and includes the thickly settled territory commencing near Highland street and extending on the line of Harvard and Chesnut streets to Cedar street; thence on Elm from Ashland street, and Pleasant from West street, including the parallel and connecting streets on the western slope of the hill, as also the large area of flat land appropriated to building lots, and to the Agricultural Grounds and Common.
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Although the course of this brook is circuitous, it now flows with but slight deviation or obstruction in its natural channel through land at present unimproved, excepting one or two es- tates. The location can be very easily changed, and its course straightened with comparatively small expense, if accomplished at an early day.
AUSTIN STREET BROOK, which is about 2818 feet long, takes its rise by a water course leading from Clinton street across Chatham street, also a water course leading from a point near South Irving street, and uniting upon the estate No. 15 Austin street, thence crossing Main, Southbridge, Madison, Portland, and Salem streets, the Western railroad and Gold street, empty- ing into an arm of Mill Brook below Fox dam.
This brook will afford facilities for the necessary drainage of that section of the city defined by Chatham street from High to Crown street, thence by a southerly line across to Wellington. street, with the parallel and connecting streets, including the vicinity of Clinton Square on the westerly side of Main street, also including Main street from Park to Sycamore street; and on the easterly side of Main street, Park street from Main to Salem, Orange, Portland, Myrtle, Madison streets, and a section of Beacon street.
In many places upon the line of this brook, the water course has been encroached upon, contracted and changed by the abuttors, and walled or covered up as a drain, little attention being paid either to the grade or capacity ; the natural conse- quence is that the drain has become filled up, the passage of water obstructed, and the facilities for conducting any extraor- dinary collection rendered inadequate. These combined causes have occasioned much complaint during the past season by per- sons residing in this vicinity.
HERMITAGE BROOK, which is 5090 feet in length, takes its rise in the northerly part of the city, the source having been appro- priated for the use of the State Lunatic Asylum, and a reser- voir constructed at this point. From the reservoir this brook passes through farming land until it reaches Belmont street, which it crosses, together with Liberty, Glen and Arch street, thence running at the side and parallel with Hanover street to
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Laurel street, where it enters a brick sewer and is conducted across Summer street to Mill Brook, which it enters at a point near School street.
This brook is the receptacle for an extensive water shed, es- timated at 400 acres, including the hills upon the easterly side of the city, which being high and precipitous, afford little op- portunity for absorption, rendering the accumulation of water rapid ; and a heavy rain at any time of the year will occasion an overflow into the cellars and upon the premises of the abut- tors. This trouble has been of the most serious character in that section of the brook between Arch and Laurel streets, where the owners of the estates have so contracted the course as to render the passage of an ordinary amount of water impossible. While the culvert on Glen street was enlarged by the city to a capacity four feet by three, to ensure ample capacity for the flow of water at certain seasons of the year, the proprietor of an adjoining estate has constructed a passage for the same vol- ume of water, eighteen inches by twelve inches. Although the causes and effect of this trouble are of a strictly local and prviate character, still the common welfare would dictate that the relief of this section of our city should be incorporated into the general system proposed.
PIEDMONT BROOK is 4677 feet in length, and rises in the low land near Pleasant street, between Piedmont and Sudbury streets running nearly parallel to Piedmont street, until within 325 feet of Main street, where turning nearly at a right angle, and running parallel with Main street, which it crosses at a point near Hermon street, it then crosses Beacon street, the Norwich & Worcester railroad, the Western railroad, South- bridge street and Gold street, entering Mill Brook below Fox's dam.
The district drained by this water course, includes Piedmont and Newbury streets, with a part of Congress, Cliatham, Aus- tin and Chandler streets on the west side of Main street, Main street from Sycamore to Hammond street, and Beacon, Charl- ton, Hermon, Jackson, Lagrange, Oread, Benefit, Mt. Pleasant and a part of Hammond streets on the east side of Main street.
PINE MEADOW BROOK is 4356 feet in length, and takes its rise
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near Shrewsbury street, crossing the same, as also Pine street, the Boston & Worcester railroad, Bloomingdale road, and Graf- ton street, where it enters Mill Brook near Water street. This brook receives the water-shed of an extensive territory, and while its appropriation may seem of little importance at the present time, the committee have thought it advisable to include it in the number, as the prospective growth of the city may demand its use for the purposes of drainage, and its possession can be more easily obtained now than to defer it until the lands adjoining are appropriated for building purposes.
2d. THE GENERAL SYSTEM OF SEWERS TO BE LAID IN THE STREETS OF THE CITY.
The paramount importance of adopting a definite, compre- hensive and uniform system of establishing the sewers in the streets of the city is evident, if we would secure that regularity of flowage and delivery, permanence of construction, and judi- cious expenditure of money which it is so desirable to accom- plish. The adoption of such a system as the primal step being taken, the proper measures for inaugurating the work before us can be commenced.
In pursuance of the end to be attained, an arterial system of drainage has been proposed for your consideration, in accord- ance with the plans prepared and herewith submitted, showing the sizes of the sewers necessary to be laid through the streets of the city ; appropriating the main channels as described as the central receiving points, and from thence diverging in such direction and at such a distance as the level of the surface may indicate and define, increasing and diminishing in capacity as the demands of the district to be drained shall dictate.
While the committee are fully aware that but a small propor- tion of the sewers projected, will be constructed at once, yet it has been thought advisable to comprise the whole system upon the plan, which would lead to the desirable result of combining at a future day the parts into a grand whole, and give the assur- ance that any seperate sewer made in any section of the city at the present time or hereafter, if constructed in accordance with the plan proposed, would in result but form a section of our system, and preclude the possibility of a wasteful expenditure
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in making necessary alterations, arising from the want of a definite plan and system.
3d. THE SYSTEM OF PAYMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF SEWERS.
In considering this important part of the subject, the com- mittee naturally find their duties of a delicate character ; em- barrassments appearing, and objections arising to almost any form suggested or plan proposed.
The cost of the Main Channels in their appropriation and construction, should in the opinion of the committee, be as- sumed and paid for from the common funds ; being that por- tion of the work which may be denominated as general in its character, opening as it does, the necessary outlets for all special sewers, and the combined drainage of the city.
The construction of the sewers in the streets, and the just. apportionment of their cost upon the individuals and estates directly benefitted thereby, present many difficulties as we con- sider the numerous questions which arise in the development. of this division of the subject. The value and location of an estate, the amount of drainage required, the absolute necessity for ample means of drainage, the size of the sewer in the street, and the cost of the same, are all essential elements which enter into the basis of calculation, tending to a fair apportionment.
An estate on Main street, with a frontage of but 25 feet, may be more directly benefited by a sewer than an estate of ten-fold the frontage on an adjacent street, and should therefore be as- sessed accordingly. Certain departments of business, or special cases may be found which demand facilities of drainage, vary- ing in degree, which alone must govern the assessment made. Again, the size and corresponding cost of a sewer in front of an estate cannot be taken as the basis of a standard of assessment without manifest injustice, for the capacity of the sewers being general, and defined by a comprehensive system, should not be locally assumed or arbitrarily assessed upon abuttors. Thus, necessity requires an increased diameter of sewer, and a cor- responding increase of expense, as the quantity of sewerage matter is collected and conducted towards the outlet at the main channel. A sewer 30 inches in diameter on Exchange or Thomas street, is practically as much a part of the drainage of
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an estate on Elm or Harvard street where a sewer but 12 inches in diameter is required, as though the larger diameter passed in front of the estate ; and justice would dictate that in an equit- able adjustment of costs, a portion of the expense of the large sewer should be borne by the estate which chance has located upon the commencing point of the sewerage, and requiring diminished size and expense to answer the demand.
The opinion which prevails in a greater or less degree, that an amount paid for entering a sewer secures for all time the right of drainage for the entire estate, is not consistent with an equitable adjustment of the cost of the benefit derived. An estate covering a large area may at present require but the or- dinary drainage of a single house, which facilities have been duly paid for ; yet by subdivision and the erection of additional houses or stores, the requirements of the same arca of land are largely increased, and should justly bear their increased pro- portion of the advantages gained by the public sewer.
In the cities of Boston, Roxbury, Charlestown and Cam- bridge the sewers are laid through the streets by the city, and three-fourths of the cost of the same is assessed upon the adjoining estates benefitted, the balance of the cost being as- sumed by the city in consideration of the facilities for surface drainage. In Hartford the entire cost of the sewer in any street is assessed upon the abuttors. In each of the above named cities no charge is made for entering the sewer. In Providence the sewers are constructed by the city, and the price to be charged for entering is fixed by the authorities. It should however be borne in mind that in each of the cities enu- merated the advantages of tide water are afforded, thereby pre- cluding the necessity of expense other than that occasioned by the construction of the sewers in the streets.
For the purpose of forming an approximate cost of the aver- age expense per lineal foot of the sewers of the city, an esti- mate of the entire sewerage in the streets of the city, as pro- jected, has been made, the result of which is found to be $2.30} per lineal foot laid.
The committee are of opinion that, in consideration of the entire expense of the Main Channel being paid by the city, the
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whole amount of this average cost of sewers in the streets should be assumed as a basis of charge, and generally assessed upon the estates directly benefitted, and that a higher rate be charged where the requirements of a largely increased amount of drain-age or other causes would justify. With the view, therefore, that immediate practical results may be obtained from the suggestions made and the system proposed, the committee would recommend the adoption of the plans herewith submit- ted, and also that the necessary steps to be at once taken, to inaugurate the work without delay.
Full power having been already obtained by the city charter, to appropriate and lay out Mill Brook, the committee would recommend that measures be taken to establish the grade from Fox's Mill to Grove Mill, that boundary lines be regularly de- fined, the course straightened from Exchange street to School street, and such definite action taken, as shall secure its perma- nent existence as a main channel for the sewerage of the city. The location definitely established, the construction can progress in sections, year by year, as the judgment of the city authori- ties shall direct, until the entire work shall be finished.
The committee would also recommend the commencement of work at as early a day as is practicable, and that an open water course be constructed from the present flume at Fox's Mill, (commencing at a level four feet below the bottom of said flume,) and extending in nearly a straight line 1350 feet to the curve near the junction of Grafton and Water streets; this water course to be walled up on either side with a substantial retaining wall of stone, and the bottom paved sloping from the side walls to the centre.
The fact has been demonstrated that Fox's pond is of little consequence as a reservoir. By the construction of a dam across the end of the structure, the defined water channel will serve the purpose of an extensive flume, thereby retaining to the mill the water power in its present condition and value. At the bottom of the dam, on a level with the flow of the wa- ter-course, it is proposed to construct a large gate, which can be easily adjusted to allow the surplus water to pass through, instead of over the flush boards, and also afford ample facilities for cleaning out.
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By the adoption of this plan the present necessity of a large- ly increased expenditure which would result from the purchase of the water privilege is obviated. The design of the structure is such that, should the demands of the city require at any time an unobstructed flow of water, the value of the water power being determined, the expense of the removal of the dam only remains to open a free passage. The constantly in- creasing use of water throughout the city will we believe, so effectually dilute the matter of sewerage as to render its condi- tion and quality no more objectionable than it has been for a long time, and continue its present value as a power for many years. Upon the completion of this section work, 1350 feet in length, the pond can be filled up, thus permanently abating this great public and long-continued nuisance, and forming new land in this part of the city, thereby affording the facilities for opening a street connecting Walter and Green streets, a work much demanded for the convenience of this section.
The estimated cost of constructing the section contemplated, including excavation, stone work and paving, is about $26,000. To this must be added the damage sustained by the lessees of the mill, by divertion of the water during the time occupied in the construction, and any land damage which may be assessed by the city in locating the course. It may be properly stated here, that the cost of constructing this section will be much greater per lineal foot than any other, on account of the extra amout of stonework required. Active operations upon this work cannot be commenced too soon, when we consider the importance of its completion, and the necessity of filling up the pond before the warm season of another year shall come.
As to the other main channels specified, which it is necessary to incorporate into the general system proposed, additional power will be requisite before definite legal action can be taken in their appropriation for the uses designated. The committee would therefore recommend that proper measures be taken to obtain from the Legislature such rights and privi- leges as shall give to the city the power to lay out and maintain these natural water courses for the purposes of sewerage.
The Committee would also recommend that after the neces-
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sary legislative action has been obtained, granting power to the city to appropriate and lay out the main channels, together with the right whereby a legal assessment may be made upon the estates benefitted, that suitable sewers be constructed as soon as is practicable, in such streets of the city as the public convenience and welfare shall demand; and to facilitate the means for drainage in certain sections, the committee would sug- gest that in case the abuttors on any streets shall agree to pay the amount assessed for the building of the sewer in such street, the sewer shall be at once constructed, (provided the main channel is in condition to receive the contents of the same,) although the necessary power may not have been obtained whereby a legal assessment could be made upon the estates.
In closing their report, the Committee would state that they submit the proposed plan after careful consideration, with a view to the future growth as well as the present demands of the city, and would offer the system, not as an arbitrary mea- sure, but one susceptible of such alteration and modification as may be clicited by the general discussion of the subject, or sug- gested by future experience. The want of a comprehensive system of sewerage is evident; how best to attain the desired end with the least expenditure of money, has been the aim of the Committee. That some practical measure should be adopted at once is but the public demand, and to the constituted au- thorities of the city the public look for the remedy. Let us not shrink from the apparent duty of the hour by deferring action, with the view that the labors and responsibilities of this great material necessity may be assumed by others.
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