The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1900-01-09
PASSA|C POLLUTION
Cities Must Be Compelled
to Stop Pouring Sewage
Into the River.

The public agitation which resulted in
| the enactment of the law of the last ses-
sion, authorizing the appointment of a
State Sewerage Commission, is of too re-
cent occurrence to require more than
passing reference. Considerations for the
health and safety of districts of the State
already thickly settled, the future well
fare of a population constantly. and rap
idly increasing, differing methods arising
from want of uniformity of laws and the
lack of some central authority, alike de-
manded the immediate creation of a body
invested with powers of general supervis-
ion over our sewerage systems. The
proper disposal of the waste of crowded
municipalities is a problem the wise So
tuition of which is most intimately con-
nected with their future welfare and
prosperity. There was needed some prop
erly constituted commission with large
general bodies. The Legislature according
ly created such body, and the following
named gentlemen were appointed commits
sioners: William II. Hunt, President; !;
John Hinchcliffe, Treasurer; Charles A
Fuller Charles L. Harrington and David
L. Wallace. From motives of caution the
Legislature clothed these gentlemen with
only a veto power upon new sewerage
systems which they might deem injurious
They report among other things that
they have, during the first year OF their
labors, been able to exercise this power,
limited as it is in its operation, with Dene-
sought to ensure a reasonable protectlon
to the public from i'll effects, without
making their requirements so as to dis-
courage all plans of sewerage. The Conn
mission suggests that it's powers be en-
larged in certain directions. If it is to
accomplish all that is to be desired, its
functions ought to embrace more than the
mere power of negation. 1t should be
clothed with authority to require from
the localities which now have sewerage
systems such measures as will prevent
further injury to the streams of the
State and the owners of property on their
banks 1t is true, as they say in this
report. remedies for such injuries may be
had from the courts, but these involve
large cost and follow rather than pre-
cede the injury. They ask to be invested
with power to regulate existing sewerage
so far as to prevent nuisances which will,
sooner or later, involve communities in
costly litigation.
The necessity of prompt action in the
matter is so urgent, and the demands for
relief (which under existing law is either
impossible or extremely slow of accom-
plishment) SO pressing, as to require from
you your immediate attention. The re-
port very fully and convincingly sets
forth the reasons for which the Commits
sioners make this request.
The pollution of the Passaic River has
also engaged their attention, and their
conclusions with respect thereto are sum-
The pollution of the Passaic River
should be stopped
The first step is to make it obligat tsry
for those polluting the river to make some
other disposal of their crude sewerage
than putting 1T into the river.
A reasonable time should be given for
building suitable disposal works,
No limit of time should be given beyond
five years from the date of the approval
Of the act.
Discretionary power should be given the
State Sewerage Commission to fix The time
when pollution shall cease within the fve
years limit.
The method of sewage disposal is one
which belongs to the municipality or
draiaage district subject to the approva.
of the State Sewerage Commission
The Sewerage Commission should inves-
tigate the different plans and the approxi-
mate cost under either.
The Commission should be provided with
funds to pay the cost of making surveys
estimates CT costs and the conducting of
such experiments as will enable them to
make recommendations and give advice
that will be of value.
1t is needless to assure those of you who
have q personal knowledge of existing
conditions and surroundings that the sub
jecs is one of paramount importance and
speedy and effective action Is required
Upon its proper solution depends not
only the present comfort and health of the