The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-12-30
COMMUNICATIONS
The Editor Of The spy

To the Editor Of The Spy
I have noticed in the papers of the
last few days, some criticism regarding
the large expenditures of the sewer de-
Dartment, with particular references to
the head of that department. To those
who have been interested and have fol-
lowed the development of the plans for
the publication of Worcester sewage,
from 1888 to the present time, the crit
icism seems most unjust.
The present head of the department
was elected to that office after it had
been decided by the Supreme Court
that Worcester must remove from the
sewage all offensive and purifying
substances, before allowing it to enter
the Blackstone River
On entering into his office, Mr.. Eddy
found that good beginning had been
made toward the publication of Wor-
cester sewage, but only beginning, as
the plant then in use was only capable
of treating one-fourth of the total flow
of the sewage. After making a careful
study of the whole question. he ad-
vised the construction of 10 additional
tanks. so that all the sewage of Wor-
cester could at least receive partial
treatment. There was a hope that this
partial treatment would answer the
requirements of the Supreme Court
and even in case it should not, the con-
struction of these tanks would be mon
ey well spent, for in case further treat
ISent was required, these tanks were
part of a we'll considered plan, careful
ly worked out by Mr.. Eddy. for further
treatment. if such treatment was forced
upon the city.
In 1896 the Supreme Court decided
that the above preliminary treatment
was not sufficient, and that more per-
feet publication was necessary Wor-
cester then asked the advice of two
eminent experts, Prof. Drown and Mr..
Gray. and on their advice the City
Council voted the construction of the
separating system, which has been I'M
de- construction for the past four
wears. The superintendent of sewers,
under the direction of the city engineer,
has carried out these plans in a most
efficient manner, and with marked en-
cheering ability. and any criticism re-
garding the necessity for a separating
=vstem. and it's cost. should certainly
not fall on Mr.. Eddy's shoulders.
AS to the work at the publication
plant, there is no question but that it has
been carried on in a way to meet the
approval of all sanitary engineers. The
question of the treatment of sewage is
one that is at the present time receiv-
ing the most careful study, both in this
country and in Europe, and Mr.. Eddy
and the work that has been done at the
Worcester plant are known in England
as we'll as in this country. Only two
years ago the writer received from a
personal acquaintance, the chairman
Of the sewage committee of Manches-
ter. England, a cablegram, asking
questions regarding Mr.. Eddy's work
II Worcester. and requesting an imme-
date reply The answer was to be
used at a meeting of the committee,
held to decide what method of treat
ment should be used on Manchester
sewage. and the plan adopted was in
marked T.c.gree due to the good work
done at Worcester. 1t is to Worcester's
credit that it has a man at the head of
the sewage department whose work
and ability are thus acknowledged.
AS to the expense of the treatment Of
Worcester sewage under Mr.. Eddy's
management the following figures
speak for themselves: In 1891, only
one-fourth of the total amount of Wor-
cester's sewage was treated. and the
cosy was 80 cents per inhabitant per
annum in 1901 the cost was 30 cents,
an increase of only three cents, yet in
1901 all Worcester's sewage was treat
ed. four times as much as in 1891, and
the sludge. or precipitate thrown down
by the chemicals. was pressed, adding
greatly to the expense. This pressing
of the sludge had become absolutely
necessary as it could no longer. as in
1891 he allowed to run onto surround
ing fields.
Yours respectfully.
LEONARD P. KINNICUTT.
Worcester. Dec. %. 1901.