anaheim-gazette 1910-12-01

PURPOSE OF SEPTIC TANK Clarifying Sewage So That Water May Be Used for Irrigation Engineer N. D. Baker of Sacramento, who drove over the proposed sewer district here in company of local officials last week, and approved plans of Engineer Steward in reference to a sewer system, has prepared the following article upon septic tanks, which will be perused with interest by our readers: The septic process is used for three reasons: 1. To get the sludge or solids out of the sewage so that the liquid part of it may be disposed of by some other means. If this is to be done by broad irrigation or by filtration through gravel beds it is essential that the sludge be taken out first to prevent clogging of filters and of the distributing ditches. The sludge might be removed by plain sedimentation, chemical precipitation, or to some extent by screening, but this leads up to the second purpose of the septic tank which is: 2. To destroy the sludge. In using any of the other three methods of sludge removal, the great question of sludge disposal remains unsolved. The sludge has been taken out but not destroyed. The properly operated septic tank both removes and destroys the sludge at a very low cost. 3. Another purpose of the septic process is to carry the sewage through the first stages of putrefaction and to render it less likely to create a nuisance when discharged into streams or other bodies of water or on land. It has been estimated that a stream will receive twice as much septic sewage as it will take raw sewage before the point of pollution is reached which will cause a nuisance. The septic process differs from other ways by making it pass over weirs in thin sheets, or pass upward through vertical pipes and over the edges, falling in a circular sheet. Other devices are used—throwing the sewage through the air in a spray and pumping air through it. A properly designed and operated septic tank should give an effluent containing very little solid matter in suspension, and that only in finely divided particles. The effluent will still be putrescible and offensive, and may (and very likely will) cause to some extent a nuisance unless properly handled while being further purified. The bacterial action should destroy all but the mineral ash of the sludge, and the tank ought not to have to be cleaned oftener than once in several years. Tanks cleaned every month are not properly "septic tanks," but should be called "settling tanks" or "sewage tanks." The mat forms on the surface after a week or more and becomes thicker until the tank reaches a condition of equilibrium. The mat is usually 12 to 18 inches thick at this time, although one case was called to my attention where it continued to grow until it occupied a large proportion of the tank and had to be removed. This was an instance of too small a surface area. The septic process is only a preliminary treatment and can be regarded as nothing more. The effluent is not staple and should not be allowed in water used for drinking water supplies unless further treated. There is little evidence to prove that pathogenic bacteria do not survive the septic process in sufficient numbers to render the effluent dangerous without further treatment. Limitations.—In applying the septic process of sewage disposal to industrial wastes each particular problem must be considered by itself.. It is largely a problem for the chemist... 3. Another purpose of the septic process is to carry the sewage through the first stages of putrefaction and to render it less likely to create a nuisance when discharged into streams or other bodies of water or on land. It has been estimated that a stream will receive twice as much septic sewage as it will take raw sewage before the point of pollution is reached which will cause a nuisance. The septic process differs from others in that here the organic matter in the solids is broken down to simpler substances by the putrefactive or liquefying bacteria. These low forms of vegetable life work best in absence of air, and they use up the dissolved oxygen in the sewage so that the action, if complete, would give an effluent which would contain no dissolved oxygen. After these bacteria have done their work, the sewage needs to have oxygen introduced to that the (aerobic) oxygen-using bacteria may perform their work of oxidization. It is by the activity of the aerobic or nitrifying bacteria that the products of anaerobic action are oxidized and the resulting condition of the sewage rendered stable, i.e., incabable of further putrefaction. Probably in no other branch of eningeering work is there a wider range of variation than in the design of septic tanks. The chief objects of design should be: to get a sufficiently long storage of the sewage to complete the septic action and still not have it too long; and to enforce a uniformity slow and diffused flow through the tank so that there will be no parts of it where the sewage remains stagnant. Also to properly proportion the tank so that the surface area shall be sufficient for mat formation. In some tanks series of baffles are introduced to insure uniform flow. In some of these the baffles are vertical, let down from the top and built up from the bottom, while in others the baffles extend into the tank from the sides. The size should be sufficient to hold the flow for the period of storage desired. In different designs, this varies from twelve to forty-eight hrs. Perhaps eighteen hours' flow is a good average to use. Many of the tanks now in use are rectangular, but there have also been designs made for circular tanks in which the sewage is taken in at the center and discharged around the circumference. Area—Heretofore this point has not been emphasized, but it is important that there be sufficient area for mat formation. This varies with the gardened as nothing more. The effluent is not staple and should not be allowed in water used for drinking water supplies unless further treated. There is little evidence to prove that pathogenic bacteria do not survive the septic process in sufficient numbers to render the effluent dangerous without further treatment. Limitations.—In applying the septic process of sewage disposal to industrial wastes each particular problem must be considered by itself.. It is largely a problem for the chemist to determine what the sewage contains and what effect if any it will have on bacterial action. Through the Santa Clara and San Joaquin valleys the cannery wastes present a special problem. Sometimes these contain large quantities of lye used for peeling fruit. It is probable that this lye would act as a disinfectant in the sewage and deter or entirely prevent septic action in the tanks. At other places there are winey wastes and wastes from tanneries, dye works, pickle factories, paper mills, iron foundries, woolen mills and other establishments, each of which represents its own particular problem, and must be dealt with accordingly. Very often it is more desirable to keep such wastes out of the main sewers and dispose of them independently. Another point of note is that to lend itself readily to septic treatment, sewage should not be too dilute. In any method of treatment it is only economy to treat as small a quantity as possible, since septic treatment depends on bacterial growth in the sewage. Wherever septic disposal is used the storm drains ought to be in a separate system from the domestic sewers. Sometimes it is desirable to let the first "run-off" from the street after a "dry-spell" go into the domestic sewers for purification treatment, for it sometimes carries considerable organic matter, but after the streets are washed clean this should no longer be done. In some cities this is provided for by connections between the storm drains and domestic sewer mains which are opened for a short time when rain begins to fall. To complete the purification of sewage, the effluent of septic tanks always must be subjected to a final process in which the nitrifying or aerobic bacteria oxidize the products of the anaerobic action. Sometimes this can be done at a profit by using the water for irrigation. For reasons that will be apparent it ought not be used for berries... hold the flow for the period of storage desired. In different designs, this varies from twelve to forty-eight hrs. Perhaps eighteen hours' flow is a good average to use. Many of the tanks now in use are rectangular, but there have also been designs made for circular tanks in which the sewage is taken in at the center and discharged around the circumference. Area.—Heretofore this point has not been emphasized, but it is important that there be sufficient area for mat formation. This varies with the total solids in the sewage, and this in turn varies directly with the number of persons connected with the system. Roofs.—The question of roofing a septic tank has aroused some discussion. On the one hand it is claimed that since it is a bacterial process and since bacteria develop and work best in the dark, a roof is necessary to shut out the light. Against this may be said that after the "mat" is formed on the tank it shuts out the light as effectually as a roof. Again, some engineers think an air-tight roof or covering is essential to foster the anaerobic bacterial action. The same answer is applicable here as was given above; that the mat, once formed, is a seal against air as well as the light. In fact there are many successful tanks which are not tightly covered. The best argument in favor of roofs is that the wind tends to break up the mat and prevent its formation in the early stages. Aeration.—Because the action inside the tank is essentially an anaerobic one, the inflow should be so arranged that as little air as possible is carried in with the sewage. At the outflow pipes provision ought to be made for aerating the effluent. This between the storm drains and domestic sewer mains which are opened for a short time when rain begins to fall. To complete the purification of sewage, the effluent of septic tanks always must be subjected to a final process in which the nitrifying or aerobic bacteria oxidize the products of the anaerobic action. Sometimes this can be done at a profit by using the water for irrigation. For reasons that will be apparent it ought not be used for berries and soft skinned fruits nor for vegetables, such as celery, radishes, lettuce and those that are to be eaten raw. Where space is too limited for disposal by irrigation, contact beds or sprinkling filters are sometimes made use of. The materials used are broken stone, brick, coke, cinders, etc., the idea being to have a large area exposed to the sewage. The beds are filled and drained alternately at intervals of eight to twelve hours. During the period when the filter is empty cultures of aerobes develop on the surface, oxidizing the material left there by the sewage. The purification depends on a bacterial process and the action is that of aerobic forms which oxidize the organic matter and render it non-putrescible.The filters need not be expensive. They require some attention but various patent automatic devices for regulating them are in use which serve to minimize the work of running the filter as well as to remove the personal equation of the attendant. The use of slate beds is attracting some attention. These are made up of horizontal slabs of slate held apart at the ends by stone blocks. For the slate beds it is claimed that worms develop on the slates which REPORT ON COVER GROPS Replenishing the Soil by Plowing Under Legumes Roland McKee has worked for several years in California in the service of the United States department and, as one line of activity, has pursued cover crops, both by experiments at the plant introduction garden at Chico and by observation of the results attained by California orchardists in their effort to replenish their soil by the plowing-in of legumes. The bureau of plant industry has just published a pamphlet covering this branch of Mr. McKee's labor, from which we take the following summary: California soils, though often very fertile, are generally deficient in humus. Within recent years green manure crops in California have been given special attention. The only places where green manures are being used extensively are the citrus and walnut orchards of the southern part of the state. Deciduous orchard sections of the state are using practically no green-manure crop. By the use of green manures a generally improved condition or orchards has been secured, as shown by a more healthy appearance of the trees and more and better fruit. The early seeding of green-manure crops is desirable for obtaining the best results. Green manures should be turned under before the trees start new growth in the spring. Heavier seeding than is ordinarily practiced is advised. Common vetch and field peas are the most generally used green-manure crops, the vetch being the most popular. Peas or common vetch sown in the fall without irrigation will not, ex- The early seeding of green manure crops is desirable for obtaining the best results. Green manures should be turned under before the trees start new growth in the spring. Heavier seeding than is ordinarily practiced is advised. Common vetch and field peas are the most generally used green-manure crops, the vetch being the most popular. Peas or common vetch sown in the fall without irrigation will not, except in the most favorable years, attain sufficient growth to be turned under early as a green manure, but when thus sown will make a good growth later in the spring. Field peas, common vetch, and bur clover are adapted to quite varied conditions, and are being grown in a limited way throughout the state. In any part of the state having a mild winter a green-manure crop of peas or common vetch will succeed if sown early in the fall with irrigation. Bur clover seems to be of most value for deciduous orchard conditions, while the woolly-podded vetch promises to be of value for the same conditions. Fenugreek and bur clover are used to a limited extent, fenugreek being especially adapted to the region near the coast. Hairy vetch is not well adapted for use as a green-manure crop in California. Black bitter vetch, black purple vetch, woolly-podded vetch, horse beans, and the Tangler pea are promising new green-manure corps in comparison with common vetch. Green-manure crops need no inoculation in California, horse beans in the northern portion being the only known exception. The growing of a summer green-manure crop in California orchards is not advisable. Local as well as sectional conditions in the various parts of the state vary considerably, and must be taken into consideration in determining the best crop for green manure as well as the best method of handling the same. GIFT FOR JAPANESE David Hewes Gives Mission House and Lot at El Modena David Hewes added another item to his lists of notable charities this week by donating a mission house and lot in El Modena for the use of the Japanese mission workers and the Japanese boys, many of whom are employed in ranching near El Modena tries, as well as European countries, are asking for particulars of the great international exposition which San Diego proposes to hold to celebrate the opening of the Panama canal. Count Jacques de Lesseps, son of the man who conceived the idea of the Panama canal will be the central figure at the ceremonies of breaking ground for the exposition in San Diego next spring. LOS ANGELES' CENSUS The increase of population in some of the Pacific coast cities has been so great that the officials at Washington questioned the accuracy of the figures of the census takers; but, after having a special agent look into the Los Angeles census, the department concluded the report from that city was fairly correct. The figures were, therefore, given out, crediting Los Angeles with a population of 319,198, which represents a gain of 211.5 per cent during the past ten years. The growth of that city during the past fifty years is shown by the following figures: 1860 ... 3,700 1870 ... 5,728 1880 ... 11,093 1890 ... 50,395 1900 ... 102,479 1910 ... 319,198 CONVICTS RESTORED TO CITIZENSHIP Forty men will be released from the state prison at San Quentin during the present month. Of this number twenty-six have been recommended for restoration to citizenship. The list has been compiled by Major Havens, executive secretary of Governor Gillett, and has been turned over to the secretary of state. Of the fourteen men who will not be restored to citizenship it is shown that they are either second-termers or foreigners who had violated the oaths taken at the time of naturalization. Recommendations for the others were made on account of their good prison records and because they were guilty of but one offense. Within the next few days a list of recommendations for the Folsom prison releases will be compiled. FLINT ON TARIFF REBATING Senator F lint who has long been agitating the question of new regulations for the administration of the amount of rot in fruit imported into this country, with a view to ascertaining how much the importers may draw down as tariff rebate on such rotten fruit, has had several inter- A corrugated iron building, thirty by seventy-two feet in dimension and twelve feet high is being erected by C. W. Warner for the sugar factory. It will be one of the permanent buildings of the plant and will be used as a tool house. A force of six men is at work on the building which will be completed in ten days. BIRDS CHECK INSECT PESTS Feed Upon Caterpillas, Grubs, Cutworms, Grasshoppers and Other Destructive Bugs Aside from the good cheer which the presence of birds inspires, their economic value is very great. Birds are our greatest natural check upon insects, tending to prevent their undue increase and preserve the proper balance in nature. They feed upon caterpillars, grubs, cutworms, beetles, bugs, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, chinch bugs, plant lice and many other destructive insects. Some birds are on hand all the year to guard the crops and trees against the ravages of insects. Another large service rendered by birds is the destruction of various rodents, such as gophers, mice and rabbits which work such havoc to trees and crops when they become numerous. The annual loss occasioned by insects and rodents amounts to several million dollars each year in the United States. This loss is increasing as tillage increases and birds are destroyed. Hence it is of the greatest importance to agriculture that our valuable native birds be preserved and everything possible be done to allow them to increase. The third great service is in the destruction of weed seed. Many kinds of birds feed upon the seeds of noxious weeds, in this way destroying millions of seeds that otherwise would germinate and spring up to pollute the fields, lessen the yield of grain and lower its market value. The service rendered here amounts to many million dollars annually in the United States. Certain birds also serve as scavengers, consuming decaying animal matter that otherwise might become a source of pollution of our air, the streams and water supplies, thus endangering health. EW GRAND JURY TODAY Men Drawn for service Will Be In Court This Morning Judge West has instructed Sheriff GIFT FOR JAPANESE David Hewes Gives Mission House and Lot at El Modena David Hewes added another item to his lists of notable charities this week by donating a mission house and lot in El Modena for the use of the Japanese mission workers and the Japanese boys, many of whom are employed in ranching near El Modena. Mr. Hewes informed Rev. and Mrs. C. C. Bentley of his intention, giving them the privilege of drawing the plans for the house. The lot which he donated some time ago lies about a block south of the Friends church. The house, as it will probably be built, will be a substantial affair, containing a meeting room, office and kitchen on the first floor and bed rooms on the second floor. The work of Christianizing the 1200 Japanese who make their home in Orange county affords opportunity for extensive activities. There is at present but one Japanese evangelist in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Bentley are leaders among the Americans interested in the movement.—Orange News. Mince Meat is best when prepared with grape brandy. Prompt delivery of grape brandy from Rust's Wineery. 11-24-t6 work over the sludge and reduce it to harmless and inoffensive humus. The slate beds, like the contact filters, are dosed and rested alternately, multiple beds being necessary for this season. FLINT ON TARIFF REBATING Senator Flint who has long been agitating the question of new regulations for the administration of the amount of rot in fruit imported into this country, with a view to ascertaining how much the importers may draw down as tariff rebate on such rotten fruit, has had several interviews since his return from Europe with Secretary of the Treasury McVeagh and has learned that the secretary has under consideration three different plans for establishing the amount of rebate to be granted. It has already been authoritatively published that the importers of lemons have received rebates estimated to be millions of dollars in excess of the amounts they are lawfully entitled to. It is admitted by Secretary MacVeagh that some changes must be adopted but he has not quite decided which plan is the best. He is considering one plan submitted by the New York custom house where the greater part of the trouble has occurred; one by a committee of experts, of whom two are to be in the employ of the treasury department, and still another plan. Senator Flint will have a conference in a few days with G. Harold Powell, who has accepted the position of secretary and manager of the citrus protective league, and who will resign early next year from the position he now fills as assistant and acting chief of the bureau of plant industry, department of agriculture.The outcome of this conference may have an important bearing on the question. Certain birds also serve as scavengers, consuming decaying animal matter that otherwise might become a source of pollution of our air, the streams and water supplies, thus endangering health. EW GRAND JURY TODAY Men Drawn for service Will Be In Court This Morning Judge West has instructed Sheriff Lacy to notify the men drawn on the grand jury to be present in court on Thursday morning, at which time the grand jury will be selected, nineteen names to be chosen from the thirty drawn. The thirty were selected last spring. The grand jury will be organized and at once proceed with its work. The men notified are: J. W. Flagg, Santa Ana; Samuel Talbert, Talbert; W. H. Johnson, Garden Grove; W. F. Reisland, Santa Ana; F. Brooks, Old Newport; L. D. Gearhart, Westminster; John R. Fletcher, El Modena; S. D. Winter, Buena Park; W. F. Lutz, Santa Ana; Henry Diers, Santa Ana; W. H. Burnham, Orange; R. C. Burkett, Santa Ana; Harry W. Lewis, Tustin; W.A. Bear, Delhi; F. L. Ainsworth, Orange; R. C. Marquez, Yorba; G. G. Williamson, Villa Park; Omer Huddleston, Olinda; W. C.C rawford, Santa Ana; U. S. Lemon, Garden Grove; John H. Gilmore, Anaheim; W. D. Seeley, Huntington Beach; J. C. McDowell, Talbert; David Bertsch, West Anaheim; C. A. Barton, Newport Beach; T. E. Tedford, West Orange; Robert H. English, Santa Ana; A. J. McFadden, Myford; Jacob Walton, Westminster; A. S. Bradford, Placentia. CAR FACTORY by Holly Company Peatlands of freight received company arrived at last week. It conpet seed which the Colorado, after its Germany, to fill the anters in that sechas engaged the of well drillers and was begun at the week. A sufficient will be sunk to obof water necessary sugar beets. Watpurposes will be obreservoirs and pipes Beach company. building the boiler of the main building y. The smokestack e and will be one ty feet high. The provides for the of both boiler and April first next. oads of machinery from a single firm will shortly be on machinery for the big be of the latest dein place in ample ing of the beet seaon building, thirty set in dimension and is being erected by the sugar factory. the permanent buildand will be used as force of six men is building which will en days. EVERYWHERE THEY USE LEVI STRAUSS & CO. COPPER RIVETED OVERALLS Anaheim Sanitarium Cor. Chartres and Hermine Sts. For the care of patients suffering from non-contagious diseases. School for nurses. Board of Directors S. Kraemer, President W. M. Wickett, Vice Pres't C. E. Holcomb, Secv-Treas Medical and Surgical Staff Dr. H. A. Johnston Dr. J. L. Beebe Anaheim Sanitarium Cor. Chartres and Hermine Sts. For the care of patients suffering from non-contagious diseases. School for nurses. Board of Directors S. Kraemer, President W. M. Wickett, Vice Pres't C.E. Holcomb, Secy-Treas J. L. Beebe H. A. Johnston Medical and Surgical Staff Dr. H. A. Johnston Dr. J. L. Beebe Dr. C. W. Harvey Dr. J. W. Utter Phone Main 1646 MISS. A. SLINGSLY, Supt. SPORTSMAN and TELEPHONE EVERY TIME a man wants to get away from all connection with the busy world the Telephone is an important helper. The Local Service is useful in arranging his affairs at home, and the Long Distance Service of the Bell System helps him to decide where to go and what to take. By means of bis Bell Telephone he can find out whether the fish are biting or the birds are flying, and whether guides or horses can be secured. After he has been out awhile, if he wants to get word from the city, the nearest Bell Telephone is a friend in need. The Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. Every Bell Telephone is the Center of the System Rowland's Little Peerless Electric Immersion Water Heater BICYCLES The Largest Stock of Wheels in the City to Select from Secon hand wheels at Your Own Price Sporting Goods, Guns and Ammunition. Completely equipped Repair Shop. All Work and Prices Guaranteed FREE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY HOUTS & SON Anaheim - California Y. M. C. A. Day Commercial School High grade training in Bookkeeping, Stenography, Accountancy and Law. Men teachers, home influences, low tuition, graduates in demand. Evening courses in Engineering Drafting, Automobile, etc. Send for catalogue Y. M. C. A., Los Angeles, Cal. Union Brewing Company is selling bottled beer at 90 cents per dozen. Rowland's Little Peerless Electric Immersion Water Heater C. A. CLARK ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ANAHEIM - CALIFORNIA OKARETS Tbe California Cure for PILES For quick relief and prompt cure this remedy cannot be excelled. Price 50c at druggists, or by return mail in plain wrapper. Money orders, registers, or 2c stamp. THE OKARET CO. 421 Chamber of Commerce Bl'dg, LOS ANGELES - CALIFORNIA