POLLUTION OF STREAMS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1940, Page 2

POLLUTION OF STREAMS

COURSE FOR STUDENTS STRATFORD SUGGESTION

As a means of attacking the problem of stream pollution by dairy factories from its source, the Taranaki Dairy Factories Drainage Committee will recommend to the Massey Agricultural College authorities that a section on the disposal of factory drainage be included in the dairy factory students' course. This decision was made at a meeting of the committee at Stratford when, although fairly well satisfied with the conditions at the present time, it was felt that pollution often came about through carelessness and ignorance of what wa6 really required. "It is a shame to see some Taranaki rivers turned into sewers," said the chairman, Mr. F. Parsons. He pointed out, in fairness to dairy companies, that all stream pollution did not arise from factory effluent alone, but could also be attributed partly to the release of cowshed and piggery drainage. Pollution did not only affect the interests of fishermen, said Mr. F. Swindells. It was in the farmers' own interests to keep the streams clean, for in many cases their stock drank from them and clean and pure drinking w&ter was essential for stock if first-class dairy products were to be obtained. Data Being Prepared. The secretary, Mr. P. O. Veale, pointed out that Of butter, cheese and casein manufacture effluents, that from casein was the most destructive. He went on to say, however, that judging by the overseas figures he had seen, the discharge of effluent per ton of manufacture in New Zealand comprised a far smaller ratio than overseas. He stated • that for some time past he had been preparing data on Taranaki stream pollution for the Dairy Research Institute, and the information was being carefully collated by Professor W. Riddet, who intended to bring down a report and remedial suggestions. On Mr. Veale's suggestion it was decided that the committee should write to Professor Riddet expressing approval of his work, and stressing the desirability of its being continued. Cases were quoted where effluent had been discharged into streams through the carelessness or ignorance of subordinate employees in dairy factories, and Mr. D. Hull thought that if they were aware of the damage Caused they would be more careful. Was a section on the disposal of dairy factory drainage included in the dairy course at Massey College? he asked. Mr. Veale said that he understood there was no such section in the course. After further discussion on the point, in which it was pointed out that factory employees would, most probably be more careful if they were aware of the damage caused by pollution and modes of preventing it, the committee decided to request Massey College authorities to include a section dealing with it in the dairy factory course. It was stated that Mr. Veale had delivered a lecture on factory drainage and its disposal during the factory managers' week at Massey College in May. The address was followed by a discussion, which the committee felt had produced ideas which would be of value to individual factory managers in overcoming the trouble.