The spectator., 1922-05-02
Plans for Sewage Distribution Fields.

tPrepared by the United States Department
 of Agriculture)
 There is general but erroneous be- lief that the cost of sewerage Is little in the city, but almost prohibitive in the country. All personal and realty properties in certain Eastern city average valuation of $l0,3So per home, which pays $355 for sewers out side the cellar wall. An average farm in a Middle Western state represents . valuation of $17.259. Is not farm CT justified in the small outlay required to dispose of the farm sewage? Be cause of the issuance of bonds and the apportionment of sewer systems for a series of years. the city dweller may have his burden distributed over long period. The farmer does not pay interest on these obligations, and sew CT work can be done more cheaply in the country than in the city.
 Not Merely a Fad.
 Safe disposal of farm sewage Is not a passing fad, but vital necessity. cautions the United States Department of Agriculture. A good sewerage in- stallation is an asset because 1t great ly promotes the healthfulness and wholesomeneSs of the farm. Moreover, the benefits are far-reaching. because farm products go into every home, and farm and urban populations min- gle freely. Before undertaking con struction 1t is best to prepare a definite plan. Assistance and advice can be had from the local county agent. Such agencies as agricultural extension workers, state agricultural colleges, state and local boards of health. the United States public health service and the United States Department of Agri- culture are all desirous of assisting the farmer who contemplates the installa- tion of a satisfactory sewage disposal plant.
 Size of Septic Tank.
 The septic tank should be 90 to 100 or more feet from any dwelling and, if practicable, to the leeward of prevail ing summer breezes. The sewage dis tribution field should be located down. hill from any well or spring and, if possible, at least 300 feet from such water supplies. The disposal of all sewage should be through dry. porous, deeply drained ground. The distribu- ton of the sewage in the land should be so apportioned that all of 1t is thor oughly absorbed and oxidixed. Always lay sewers straight and below the reach of frost. ventilate them thor oughly and make the joints water tight and rootproof.
 Avoid Cheap Methods.
 Makeshift methods, materials or de- vices should be avoided, or used spar ingly. according to Farmers Bulletin 122T. Sewage and Sewerage of Farm Homes, recently issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. Vent pipes should never be placed in the tops of septic tanks or cesspools where they are near dwelling houses. In the construction of sewage dis posal plant, the siphon chamber and siphon may be omitted in those rare instances where it Is feasible to dis charge into salt water or into large stream already badly polluted. Dis posal of sewage in a running stream should be Il last resort, as such prac- tice endangers water supplies down. stream. and unless the volume and ve- 1ocity of flow are good such disposal may be very objectionable. After n sewage disposal plant Is installed. 1t is necessary to inspect and clean it out at regular intervals. The settling chamber should be cleaned at least