The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-09-23
THE BACK BAY NUISANCE.
Report of the Sanitary Commission.

We publish on our first page today the full
text of the report of Drs. Gerrish and Ring,
appointed last month by the Mayor as a Com
mission to investigate the causes Of the NUS
ances which have excited so much attention
for several summers past. After mentioning
the circumstances which preceded and led to
the appointment of the commission attention
is called to the facts that foul odors are not
necessarily productive of disease, and that
odorless gases may be quickly fatal. The
public hearings, which we reported from day
to day, are described and succinct statement
of the evidence given. The testimony mainly
concerned the overpowering stenches from
Back Bay, though some other nuisances were
complained of. Then follow descriptions of
the condition of the Mill Pond and Back Bay,
with the sewers which empty into them. 1t
will surprise many to find the tanneries, which
have been the object of so much censure, ex-
culpated by the doctors. The sewers on the
harbor side empty in part in the midst oil the
pile-work of the wharves, q situation as bad as
could be selected. Quite number OF eX-
amples of unauthorized sewerage were given,
the two most striking being the emptying OF
sewage CGTldlu ll1iO INV WIZ s3"'NS-
on Congress street, and from others into Deer
ing's pasture. The piggeries, dirty stables and
offal carts, all are touched upon. a very
elaborate description of the culvert system
shows clearly that the culverts are grossly
neglected by the authorities, and are conse-
quently prolific source of foul odors and dis
ease. The method Of disposing of excreta by
means of accumulative privies is fully set
forth, and receives the merited Remuneration
of the commissioners
The recommendations with which the report
closes are radical, but must commend them
selves to the approval of thoughtful citizens
1t is insisted that the only way out OF our diff
Guilty on the northern side of the city is by the
construction of large intercepting sewer,
which shall gather up all the sewage brought
down from the hIll-sides, and carry it out be
You'd the railway bridge, discharging it III such
a way that it shall be swept out to sea, never
to return. The sewers on the front side should
be extended to the ends Of the wharves. Any
person discharging sewage anywhere but into
a sewer should be prosecuted as an enemy to
the public health. The disgusting accumula-
lions of stable manure ought to be prohibited
POAASO
present law concerning swine-sties Ventila-
ton, frequent cleansing and flushing OF the
culverts is advised as the only plan by which
they can be made harmless. AS for the old
fashioned privy, the only recommendation
made are determination as unmitigable nui-
sances within two years. and meanwhile their
frequent excavation with an odorless appar-
atus
The commissioners make satisfactory ex-
PLANTATION of the delay in making the report
They have evidently devoted themselves assid-
uously to their task, and the report gives evil
dence of long study Of the subjects considered.
Our citizens now have before them clear
statement of the cause of the nuisances OF
which they have so long complained and,
sound recommendations for their abatement.
1t now only remains to carry them out. AS
the doctors say, the matter is too vital to be
t1ifled with. Let us have no false economy
when our health and lives are involved.