USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1887 > Part 12
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Previous to this year the condenser of the large pumping- engines drew its water from the pump-well, and so reduced the amount which should have been available for public use. This year a pipe has been laid from the condenser to a well at the bank of the river; and, whenever the supply is low in the pump-well, the water can be drawn directly from the river. This water, after passing through the condenser, runs back into the river. The threshold of the well is level with the bottom of the river, and the bottom of the draught-pipe is still lower, so the supply may be used from this source as long as there is any water in the river.
Surveys have been made, levels taken, and lines and grades
44
for the laying of water-mains have been established, on fifty- nine streets, covering a total length of six and three-tenths miles. There have been located three hundred and seventy- three services and extensions laid during the year. Plans and diagrams have been made of all special work of this department.
The regular meetings of the Water Board have been attended, and such subjects investigated, or work superin- tended, as specially directed by the Water Board, Registrar, or Superintendent.
SEWERAGE.
IN accordance with the recommendation of his Honor the Mayor, in his inaugural address, a Joint Special Committee on Sewerage was appointed, consisting of Aldermen John Ward and Seth K. Harwood, and Councilmen N. Henry Chadwick, George Dix, and Heman M. Burr.
The question of providing a means of disposal of the house-drainage, by which it would not become a nuisance, immediately engaged the attention of the committee. I was requested to examine into the efficiency of various methods of purification or utilization of sewerage in use, and to submit to the committee a plan for the disposal of the sewage of the city of Newton. In accordance with their instruction the following places were visited, and the efficiency of systems noted : -
CHELSEA, MASS. - A system of subsidence and screening by upward current through a screen of straw, from four to six inches in thickness, has been in successful operation, on a small scale, for a period of about three years. The sewage from about five hundred inhabitants is taken through about ten thousand feet of small pipe sewers, and discharged into a large brick tank about fifteen feet long and eight feet wide. Across the end of the tank, near the outlet, wire screens are placed horizontally, holding a layer of straw from four to six
46
inches thick; and the sewage is forced through the straw. When properly cared for, the effluent is clear, and apparently free from solids ; but a deposit of a few inches in the marsh- ditches, into which it is discharged, shows that contact with the salt water causes a precipitant which will have to be removed from time to time.
EAST ORANGE, N. J. - Disposal-works and about twenty- three miles of sewers, designed for taking house-sewage alone, were in process of construction. It is intended to discharge the sewage in large settling-tanks, or reservoirs, where it may, or may not, be chemically treated. The overflow is to be discharged on the land, which is thoroughly underdrained, and is specially prepared to receive it. It is expected that the land will be sufficient in area to provide for the sewage without resource to chemical treatment for some time. The town at present contains about thirteen thousand inhabitants.
LONG BRANCH, N. J. - A system of disposal by chemi- cal treatment has been in operation about a year. The works are owned and operated by a private company, which makes an annual charge for connections. At the time of my visit, a large portion of the sewage was received from the hotels along the beach. Although I had no means of deter- mining the amount being cared for, I should roughly estimate it from a hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty thou- sand gallons per day. The works are located near resi- dences, and, when well cared for, are free from offence; but a second visit showed that, by neglect, they would become an intolerable nuisance. A weak solution of alum is discharged into the sewer about fifty feet from the end, and the sewage is then discharged into large tanks, or reservoirs. The alum, acting as a precipitant, settles the solid matter ; and the clari-
47
fied sewage is passed through two or more coke screens about twelve inches thick. The sludge is mixed with milk of lime, and pressed by Johnson presses.
ATLANTIC CITY, N. J. - Here the disposal is by means of the system known as the West System. The sewage is pumped into large wooden tanks upon a perforated floor, designed to catch all large, solid substances: beneath this floor are alternate layers of meadow-hay and sand, two or more feet thick, upon and through which the sewage passes. When the screen, or filtering-bed, is freshly and properly re- newed, I have no doubt but the effluent may be clear, and free from solid. At the time of my visit, I was told that the bed had not been renewed for about three weeks ; and the effluent did not appear much cleaner, if any, than the sewage itself. The effluent is discharged in marsh-ditches a thousand or more feet from habitations ; and, although there is a large accumulation of precipitant in the ponds and ditches, I am not aware that any direct annoyance has been experienced as yet. The works are owned by a private company, as at Long Branch ; and I estimated that they were caring for one hundred and fifty thousand or two hundred thousand gallons per day.
PULLMAN, ILL. - The sewage from about ten thousand inhabitants and several manufacturing establishments is col- lected, and pumped into a small receiving-tank, or reservoir, from which it is distributed upon the land more or less per- fectly prepared to receive it. Two fields, containing respec- tively sixty and eighty acres, are devoted to cultivated crops, which are irrigated with the sewage. Ten acres from one of the fields are subdivided into a series of flat or filtering beds, which are more thoroughly underdrained, and are in-
48
tended to receive any excess of sewage over and above what the crops will bear during the growing season, and the entire sewage during the winter. Hydrants are so arranged that the sewage can be discharged, when desirable, on a large, underdrained field, growing grass.
To the superintendent, Mr. Martin, I am indebted for a courteous and hospitable reception, and a willingness to impart all the information in his power as to details of operation. It is evident that the financial success of the farm is largely due to his intelligent and business-like management.
Plans were being perfected for regrading one of the fields, so that more satisfactory results from the use of the sewage can undoubtedly be obtained.
Samples of the sewage as discharged on the fields from the hydrants, from the manholes into which the sub-drains from the filter-beds and irrigation-fields discharge, and from a well six feet deep and twenty feet from the line of a drain, were taken and sent to the Massachusetts State Board of Health, and analyzed with the following results : -
PARTS IN 100,000.
SAMPLE.
No.
Date of
Examina-
tion.
Free Am-
monia.
Albumin-
oid Am-
monia.
Chlorine.
Nitrogen as Ni-
trites and
Nitrates.
Nitrites.
Sewage discharged on land,*
1
26
2.300 0.3200
1.98
None. None.
Subdrain f'm filtration bed, t
2
26
0.8500 0.0480
2.31
1.56
None.
" irrigation field, t
3
26
0.0026 0.0108
3.78
0.65
Heavy
Well 6 feet deep, 20 feet
Very
from line of drain t
4
26
0.0900 0.0166
1.78
0.033 heavy.
July,
* Contained sulphuretted hydrogen.
t Had considerable lime.
As my visit was made in the middle of July, at the time of a severe drought, and at a period of high temperature, the
49
flow from the underdrain must have been almost, if not entirely, the effluent from the filtered sewage.
BRYN MAWR, PENN. - This system is an example of sub- surface irrigation on a small scale. The sewage from a large hotel, containing about three hundred and fifty guests, was disposed of through small tiles laid from twelve to fourteen inches below the surface. The land through which these tiles were laid contained about three acres, and was sub- drained by drains laid about twenty-five feet apart, from three to five feet deep, and discharged into open ditches leading to a brook. The effluent from some of these drain- age-pipes was considerably discolored, and had an offensive odor.
WAYNE, PENN. - This system is an example of the ability of vegetation to take up sewage discharged on the surface of the ground. The sewage from a portion of the village is collected in sewers, and discharged into a large cesspool, or settling-tank, located from one-third to one-half of a mile from residences. The overflow from the tank spreads over the surface of a small piece of open ground, and from the'ice runs into and through a piece of second-growth timber. At the time of my visit, the vegetation showed a rank and excessive growth. No especial offence was noted in the atmosphere, but the surface of the ground for a consider- able distance from the point of discharge was reeking with filth.
To the commissioners, engineers, superintendents, and employees of the various works visited, I am especially indebted for attentions shown me, and for information fur- nished. On Nov. 14 the committee submitted a report of progress, with recommendations, upon which no action has been taken. (For report, see Appendix.)
PUBLIC PROPERTY.
UNDER the direction of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Property, plans, estimates, and specifications were made for widening the main doorway at Steamer-House No. 1. The arch over the doorway was supported, the old brick jambs on each side cut out, and new jambs built up six inches back, making the doorway one foot wider. New doors were made and hung, and the fenders, threshold, and paving altered to fit the new doorway.
At Steamer-House No. 2, the action of the weather has loosened the mortar holding the bricks in the tower just below the bell-deck : plans and specifications were prepared for strengthening the tower.
At the Franklin Schoolhouse, the condition of the out- building had become very offensive. It was decided to fill up the privy-vaults, and to place tubs under the seats, which can be removed at stated times through doors in the outside of the building. Five closets for scholars, and one closet for teachers, were arranged in each side of the build- ing ; and a set of eight soapstone urinals were set in the boys' side of the building. Ventilation-pipes were run from the seat of each closet into one large vent-pipe, which was carried above the roof of the main schoolhouse. Lattice- work was put in the sides of the shed connecting the out-
51
building and the main schoolhouse, so that any odors coming from the outbuilding would be intercepted before reaching the basement of the schoolhouse.
At the Oak-hill Schoolhouse, surveys and estimates were made for draining the cellar, and raising the building and grounds.
BOARD OF HEALTH.
THE City Engineer having been re-appointed as Agent of the Board of Health for the Inspection of Plumbing, the work was continued as outlined in the report of last year. During the year the meetings of the Board have been at- tended, 1,700 inspections have been made upon 260 houses, and 49 letters have been written, besides the usual verbal requests, decisions, and answers to inquiries.
As outlined in the last report, more time has been given to conversation with the plumbers on the work; and requests for alterations in the work have been made directly, instead of formally by letter. This arrangement has served to reduce the friction caused by a peremptory letter, and any misunderstandings are avoided or corrected at the time.
The same assistants have been detailed as inspectors, the houses have been visited oftener, and at no stated intervals of time. The result of the increased acquaintance between the inspectors and the plumbers has been a better under- standing of the intent of the rules of the Board. I am pleased to say that all the plumbers during the past year have shown a desire to comply with the rules, and co-operate with the Board.
53
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
I would respectfully tender my acknowledgments to his Honor the Mayor, the Water Board, the Board of Health, and the various committees of the City Council, for the support which they have given.
I wish also to acknowledge the courtesies shown by the various heads of departments, and the co-operation of the assistants of this department.
Respectfully submitted.
ALBERT F. NOYES, City Engineer.
REPORT OF CITY ENGINEER ON ESTABLISHING GRADE FOR LAUNDRY-BROOK DISTRICT.
CITY ENGINEER'S OFFICE, CITY HALL. WEST NEWTON, MASS., April 4, 1887.
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF MAYOR AND ALDERMEN.
Gentlemen, - In compliance with an order from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, passed Feb. 7, 1887, - " That the City Engineer be requested to make a survey of the terri- tory bordering on Laundry Brook, between Walnut Street and the Boston and Albany Railroad, Ward 2, and re- port to this Board what portion of said territory is subject to overflow from brook or surface water ; how much of said territory should be raised by filling ; what work, if any, should be done upon Laundry Brook; and recommend a grade in said district for drainage and sewerage, below which no cellar or basement cellar shall be constructed,"- I would respectfully report that I have caused surveys to be made of the territory bordering on Laundry Brook, as set forth in the aforesaid order, plans of which are hereto annexed.
In order to consider and intelligently answer the various requirements of the balance of the order, I will state briefly the conditions at present existing, and suggest certain modi- fications which will materially affect any action which you might feel would be wise to take.
CROSS SECTIONS OF THE CHANNEL OF LAUNDRY BROOK
Newton, Mass. April 1887. Scale 8 Feet to an inch -
Albert F. Noyes , City Engineer. Note, Velocity and Capacity are given in fect per second.
7.50
7.00
8.00
6.50
sta. 93 Brook , Vel. 6.61 Ft. Cap. 84.5cu.Ft.
Sta. 81
Bridge. Vel. 6.86 Ft. Cap.178.72 cu.Ft. Broof.
. 6.99 /95.72 . .
12.00
12.00
sra.92+50 Brook, Yel. 7.46 Ft. Cap. 176cu.Ft.
Sta. 80
Brook. Vel. 6.56 Ft. Cap. 105 cu. Ft.
8.00
sła.72+50
Brook. Vel. 6.10ft. Cap. 122 cu.ft.
9.00
7.45
HARVARD ST. sta. 79+09
Culvert, Vel. 6.90 Ft. Cop. 183.62 cu.Ft. Brook. - 8.49 . ₱ 3/4.00 .
- 7.47 . 187.00 . .
7.50
8.00
13.50
11.00
sta.55+50 Brook. Vel. 7.00 Ft. Cap. 216.00cu.Ft.
8.00
BOSTON & ALBANY R.R. Sin. 54+96 Culvert - Full - Vel. 6.29 Ft. Cab 232.56cu.Ft.
Brook
₪ 6.23 *
124.50 * *
10,00
Sta. 53 Culvert, Vel. 5.78 Fr. Cab./03.60 cu.Ft.
ST. · 7.41. WASHINGTON sta. 50+64 Culvert - Full - Vel. 7.88 Ff. Cap. 366.00 cu.Ft. Brook " 260.90 . .
ADAMS ST. sta. 47+02 Culvert, Vel. 7.76.Fr. Cap.335.54cu.Ft. Brook 7.56 - 290.58 - "
18
PROPOSED SECTION 3 GRADE 0.20 per 100 Vel. 6.96 Ft. Cab 501cu FF
. 439.48 . CATHOLIC CH. FOOT WAY stu. 48+07 Bridge, Vel. 8.07 FF. Cap. 419.24 cu.ft Brook . 8.12 .
PROPOSEO SECTION 2 GRADE 0,30 PER 100 Vel. 7.86 Ft. Cap. 519 cu.Ft.
PROPOSED SECTION 1 GRADE 0.30 PER 100 Vel. 8.27ft, Cap. 496cu.Ft.
Sta. 83+50 Brook. Vel. 7.24 Ft. Cab. 162.90 cu.Ft.
CABOT ST. sta. 82+70 Culvert, Vel. 7.72 Ft. Cap. 223.88 cu. Ft. Brook
" 7.00 **
117.57 . .
CLARENDON ST. Sta. 75+54
sta.62+50 Brook. Yel. 7.38 Ft. Cap. 276.00 ou.Fr.
NEWTONVILLE AYE.
sta.59+25 Culvert - Full - Vel. 6.37Ft. Cab.2/3.35cu.Ft. N -Top af Bank's - 6.48 . Broof
~ 6.50 +
. 158.00 - -
CART PATH Sta 71+75 Bridge, Vel. 7.10 Ft. Cab.211.58cu.Ft Brook.
- 6.82 -
174.00 - .
Sta. 77
Brook. Vel. 5.98 Ft. Cap. 125.55cu.ft.
Sła. 66. Brooff: Vel.6.76 Ft. Cap.177.67cu.Ft.
10.00
6.00
- 140.00 * =
GAY ST. sta. 85+57 Bridge, Yel. 7.78 Ft. Cap. 229.68 cu ft. Brook.
3.00
7.20
7.00
Sta. 73 Brook. Vel. 6.09 Ft. Cap. 134 cu.Ft
Brook. Yel. 7.66 Ft. Cap.214.70 cu.Ft.
8.00
7.20
WALNUT ST. sta. 95+90 Culvert, Vel. 8.37 Ft. Cap. 348 cu.Ft. Brook « 6.72 % 116 . .
7.70
sta.48+50 Brook. Yel. 7.16 Ft. Cap. 220.80 cu.Ft.
6.00
S T.
B& A. R.R.CO.
Brackelf
ST.
Ross
ST.
Catholic
Claflin
Vose
Claflin
C. S. Pulsifer
CABOT
Ross
PARK
Show
He Bridyhar Morehouse
E. F. Pulsifer
ST
ST
ST.
P.C. Bridgham
P.C Bindghom
Simpson
Molineux
Park
Gray
F.C.Bridgham
French
Simpson
Grant
Cook
Them Lan
Waltham
West
Thompson
Storson
Nilche 11
O'Sullivan
Atwood
O Sullivan
Bridges
Curker
Laundry
Joslynetal.
ST
Bridges
LEWIS
ST.
Nentan Mass. April 1887 Scale poff. to an inch.
Albert F Noyes City Engineer
Jewelt
Bridges
Lora
Lord
Lord
NEW TONVILLE
Phillips
Ferne
C. S. Pulsifer
Bailey
NORWOOD
Newton
Lingshay
Coffin
Nantucket Inst.
Shermant
wilkins
For Savings
Butter Fiets
ATwood
Pillion
Deland
Roas
wald
AVE.
Brown
DELAND ST
Kellum
AVE
Chaffin
ST.
BELLEVUE
PIAN OF
LAUNDRY BROOK DIATRICT
GAY
FREDERICK
ST
CLARENDON
old location Ico
Everett
ALBANY
Brackett
ADAMS
Pond
F. Pulsifer.
PULSIFER
Shaw
WASHINGTON Brackett
Church
Y
WALNUT
WASHINGTON
SPRUCE
Claflin
PARK
ST
CLYDE
ST.
HARVARD
Barith
Brook
Viser Spring Break
HOWARD
PL
ـت: ٦٥٢٠٠١١٤٩
55
Laundry Brook, so called, has its source in the swamps near Hammond Pond and in Cold-spring Swamp near New- ton Highlands.
It has a water-shed above Walnut Street of about 2,210 acres, and above Cabot Street of about 2,460 acres. About one-half is at present swamp or woodland ; and the balance is, for the most part, well-drained, improved land, dischar- ging quickly into the stream the water which falls upon it.
The water flowing in the brook comes from the rain which falls on this water-shed, and reaches the stream either by direct flow from the surface, by sub-drains, or by infiltra- tion through the soil. It is evident that the extent of the territory liable to be overflowed depends upon the amount of rainfall, duration of storm, the saturation or condition of the ground, and the size and condition of various portions of the channel of the brook.
Referring to the various formula proposed by engineers for computing the maximum flow of streams, as applied to Laundry Brook, I find results varying greatly one with the other, which is not surprising, from the fact that they are obtained from experiments made in portions of the country where the physical conditions vary greatly one from the other.
A commission, consisting of James B. Francis, C. E., Eliot C. Clarke, C. E., and Clemens Herschel, C. E., appointed by the mayor of the city of Boston, to report a plan for the prevention of floods in the valley of Stony Brook, in the consideration of the question of the amount of water to be provided for, concludes that it should be equiv- alent to a rainfall, or rainfall and melting snow of twelve inches in twenty-four hours, and that the maximum flow
56
in the stream would be equal to about one-half the rate of the rainfall. This rule applied to the Laundry-brook water- shed would require a capacity providing for five hundred cubic feet per second.
From Feb. 10 to 14, 1886, there fell on this water-shed 6.09 inches of rainfall, in addition to which it is estimated that there was at least two inches of water from melted snow, making a total of 8.09 inches; but between 11 P.M. Feb. 11, and 11 P.M. Feb. 12, 4.45 inches of rain fell, mak- ing a total with melted snow of 6.45 inches to be provided for in twenty-four hours. I have no record of the height to which the water flowed ; but all of the culverts were sur- charged, and the brook overflowed its banks.
By reference to the accompanying sheet, showing a cross- section of the culverts and portions of the brook between Walnut Street and Adams Street, together with an estimate of the capacity of the brook, of each culvert to a level of the banks of the brook, and of the full area of the culverts, it will be seen that the above estimate closely approximated the facts.
As all of the swamp and woodland can be drained, and is each year being developed more and more, so will the stream each year receive the rainfall more rapidly, and the area liable to be overflowed increased, unless ample provision is made for its disposition. With the brook and culverts in their present condition, I estimate that the following area of land is liable to be overflowed, and should be filled above the flood-line : -
57
Between the Boston and Albany Railroad and
Newtonville Avenue . . 3.28 acres Between Newtonville Avenue and Harvard Street, 31:81 Between Harvard Street and Walnut Street . 13.86
Total
. 48.95
But the filling of this land would only serve to contract the space which has heretofore served to store the water, and cause a rise in its level in excess of that which has taken place heretofore, and cause the overflowing of lands and estates beyond the reach of any previous flow.
In establishing a grade for this district below which no cellar or basement cellar shall be constructed, it is intended that it will be at such a level that it can be readily drained, . and not overflowed.
In the absence of the adoption of a system of sewerage and drainage by the city, for this district, a point above the high-water mark of Laundry Brook must be the lowest grade for buildings near the brook ; and this should rise on a slight gradient, as its distance from the brook increases. The brook with its present dimensions is liable to frequent over- flows, which will increase from year to year. Should it be widened so as to take the full discharge of the water-shed when flowing four feet deep, the cellar-grade of the territory could be established at a level with the adjoining streets, and would require the brook to be fifteen feet wide.
When flowing three feet deep, which is the general height of the banks, the brook should be twenty-two feet wide, and the cellar-grade could be established at a level not lower than said banks.
By deepening and widening the brook, the cellar-grade can
.
58
be lowered just so much as the level of the maximum flow- line of the brook is lowered.
Should the brook be deepened so as to have a fall of one foot in five hundred feet, and have a maximum flow of four feet depth, the width should be eighteen feet, and would be equivalent to raising the district from two to three feet.
The first suggestion would involve the raising of the dis- trict from one to three feet, the brook widened to a width of fifteen feet, the culverts rebuilt, and, aside from the cost of filling and land-damages, is estimated to cost, with unwalled banks, -
For excavation .
. $3,000 00
For rebuilding culverts
. 30,000 00
Total
. $33,000 00
The second suggestion would involve the widening of the brook to a width of twenty-two feet, and the rebuilding of the culverts : aside from land-damages, it is estimated to cost, with unwalled banks, -
For excavation . . $8,000 00
For rebuilding culverts
. 38,000 00
Total
. $46,000 00
The third suggestion would involve the deepening of the brook from nothing at the Boston and Albany Railroad to three feet at Cabot Street and four and one-half feet at Wal- nut Street, and widened to a width of eighteen feet. This is estimated to cost, aside from land-damages, with unwalled banks, -
59
For excavation
. $10,000 00
For rebuilding culverts
. 36,000 00
Total
. $46,000 00
In the consideration of any of the above suggestions, if it should be deemed necessary to wall the banks of the brook, I estimate the cost, -
By the first suggestion to be . $21,000 00
By the second suggestion to be . . 16,500 00
By the third suggestion, with the walls four feet high (the estimated height of the flow-line),
to be . 21,500 00
Respectfully submitted.
ALBERT F. NOYES, City Engineer.
REPORT OF JOINT SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON SEWERAGE.
NEWTON, MASS., Nov. 14, 1887.
TO THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL.
Gentlemen, - The Joint Special Committee on Sewerage, to whom was referred the subject of the sewerage of the city of Newton, has the honor to submit the following report : -
It has doubtless become apparent to every one that has given thought to the question of the necessity of providing means for the removal of the sewage from the more thickly settled portions of the city, that, from both an economic and a sanitary stand-point, the time has arrived when measures should be taken for the immediate relief of such portions of the city as are most affected by the present imperfect system of disposal.
Previous committees of the City Council appointed to consider this question have agreed that a system of sewers should be provided ; but they have been unable to determine upon a method of disposal which they felt could be intro- duced without giving offence, or creating a nuisance, to our own citizens as well as those of adjoining cities.
In 1876 a commission, consisting of Charles Robinson, jun., E. W. Converse, and J. Franklin Fuller, was appointed by
61
the City Council to consider this question, and presented in December, 1879, a very able report, recommending the construction of sewers to provide for the discharge of a large portion of the rainfall and surface-drainage, and the house-sewage, into the Charles River, at, or nearly opposite, the Watertown Arsenal. But at this time the river had already become so foul from the sewerage discharge of the cities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston, and the town of Brookline, as to make it apparent that measures would soon have to be taken to prevent further discharge of sewage in a crude state.
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