Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-08-06
Pollution of Air and Water.

A wrong method of sewage disposal
is so often followed by unfortunate
consequences that public attention is
more readily directed to sanitary
misdemeanors in this particular than
in some other municipal responsible
ties. The creation Of offensive odors
in the vicinity OF dwellings and the
pollution Of public water supplies alike
are justly visited by severe condemna-
ton. Outside of professional students
of the sewage problem, few realize the
great strides made in the past few
yeares III sewage-disposal. Not only
have American sanitary engineers
taken a prominent part in establishing
the physical and biologic principles
that must underlie an suitable systems
of sewage-disposah but in many in
stances local authorities have been
quick TO apply the most recent infor-
nation and the most modern methods
to the solution of their own local pro-
blems. A vast amount of carefully
conceived and wellI-exeeuted expert
mental work has been carried out by
American states and cities. with the
result that each individual sewage pro-
blem can now be approached with a
AsitiiIi Adia NiiONf tISt VI HDSSiDltltttS
and 4 very good prospect of definite
success. Methods projected or in use
in Worcester, Providence. Columbus.
Baltimore and many other American
cities viii amply repay careful study.
The large amount of careful planning
and of laRoriops. honest experimental
tion under municipal auspices and by
municipal employees is not thing to
be, taken for granted or to be ignored
in passing judgment on Democracy.
The achievements of American expert
mentors and constructors in the field
of ewage-disposal bear comparison
very well With those reached any,
where. No amount of tumult and
shouting says The Journal of the
American Medical Association, should
blind ust to the fact that urgent mu-
nicipai problems are being dealt with
today more honestly and effectively
than ever before.
Names rural sections are still large
" needless of the consequences of
neglect to reform their sanitary ar
engagements. Pollution of wells and
the tolerance of offensive odors about
dwellings, suggest the need of a cam
paign of education.
In looking about for possible farm
site in the vicinity of Augusta, the
writer has noted many evidences of
careless observance of even the most
necessary provisions for sanitation.
In an almost new house the priyy was
found within IL feet of the well. while
woodshed all the time and the kitchen
frequently must have been heavy with
offensive odors. The only other we'll
on the place was in the barnyard.
At another place piles of cans. rub
bish and filth were found at the end
OF the house to breed flies, and open
heaps Of stable dressing completed
the demonstration.
At still another a sink drain formed
pool of ill-smelling, fly and disease
breeding water and filth, within 10
feet of the house and not over Is feet
from the well in a nearby shed and in
lower ground. Any heavy rain must
have flooded this filth into the surface
of TIE ground all about the well.
In most or all of these cases We're
the difficulties easily remedied. and
how intelligent people who read and
understand the dangers of such things.
can remain so apathetic is more than
We can understand. Perhaps it has not
been pointed out often enough, so here
goes again