NO SEPTIC TANKS IN McGARVEY RD?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 33, 15 December 1950, Page 4

NO SEPTIC TANKS IN McGARVEY RD?

The belief that it may be necessary soon to refuse permits for septic tanks in McGarvey Road was expressed by the Sanitary Inspector in a report submitted to the Whakatane Borough Council on Monday night. His report read:—

Food Premises: Two new premises comply with the regulations—■ home cookery and shop in Domain Road owned by Mr Lynden, and a new eatinghouse in George Street owned by Mr A. Hogg. Improvements and alterations have been made to two premises in King Street, occupied respectively by Mr G. Washer and Mr Roulston. Other premises inspected have been found to be reasonably satisfactory.

Samples. Taken: Milk analytical 3, bacteriological 3, milkshakes analytical 3, bacteriological 2. Borough Water bacteriological 1, icecream analytical 2. All were satisfactory except the Borough water, which showed B. coli present in 10 millilitres,! with 35 organisms present in 100 millilitres. A chlorinated water should have no B. coli present in 100 millilitres, and this is the only bad sample of water this year. Plumbing and Drainage: Work inspected has been found to be satisfactory, and in two cases an alteration in the drainage layout has been necessary, this being noticed after inspection of the area. Work on the alterations of the drainage ip. George Street at Mr Hogg’s and Mrs Stowell’s is not yet completed, but the work is to proceed. Nuisances: Work is proceeding in the abatement of the drainage nuisance in McAlister Street. Waterfront: The inspection of the area was not carried out during the month as had be’en arranged, but the secretary of the Harbour Board is to notify me regarding a suitable date on which to meet the chairman, Mr Boon, and Mr Waugh. McGarvey Road Area: As this area becomes built up, satisfactory drainage—specially during the winter—will become more difficult, and it may be necessary to refuse further permits for the installation of water closets. With a fairly permanent high ground water level, and with the area becoming fully built up, it is possible that v extensive pollution of the soil will result. However if the new main drain and flood gates system has the expected effect of lowering the ground water, it may be possible to allow water closets in all cases. While I do not like recommending the provision of pan privies, I think they would be preferable t» having a number of septic tank systems not operating satisfactorily.

Refuse Tip: This is as great an eyesore as ever. In my report dated February 1 I expressed a hope that the Council would make a special effort to put the tip in good order and under proper control, but to date nothing has been accomplished. Certainly a large area has been filled in and reclaimed, but this could have been done just as quickly by controlled tipping and the elimination of any nuisances. However it immediate action is taken it will be possible to have a properly controlled tip in operation this summer.

I wish to express my appreciation for the assistance and co-opera-tion received from the town clerk and the staff during the past year and to extend the season’s greetings to the Council and the staff.