Albany’s Intercepting Sewer

Albany’s Intercepting Sewer

Just as soon as the city authorities of Albany, N. Y., locate and repair the break in the intercepting sewer near a point where the sewer passes under the Delaware & Hudson embankment and goes under Island Creek to Westerlo Island the city’s intercepting sewer will be opened for use. Until the break is repaired, however, the plant is useless. It was found some time ago that a break had occurred, but it could not be repaired then because of the fact that water in the river and creek was so high that the sewer could not be reached. Recently when men went to look for the break it was discovered that the water main which carries water over to the plant from South Pearl street was also broken. Workmen were sent to repair the break and when their work is finished, which may be in a week or two, the sewer will be used, says the Albany Argus. As soon as the intercepting sewer is ready the sewers which are now pouring raw sewage into the Albany basin will be closed and the sewage diverted to the big concrete sewer which will carry it down to the southern section of the city where it will be treated and where one of these days it is expected that a very high grade of fertilizer will be turned out for the use of the city park system and also for the general public, should it be found that there is a sufficient quantity. There has been much complaint of late regarding the sewage that is daily deposited in the Albany basin. The authorities now have under consideration plans for the dredging of the basin, which in times of low water presents a real menace. Frequently some of the boats landing in the basin have run aground and at all times there is an odor that is not conducive to good health. When the intercepting sewer was constructed it was so planned that when the sewer was to be used the automatic arrangement for closing the outlets into the basin would operate. In times of extreme big water it is also planned to take much of the water, carry it down through the sewer and into the sewage disposal plant where it can pass along harmlessly. Although the plant was completed several months ago it was not put into use because of the expense and the fact that the war was on and it was difficult to obtain help.

Just as soon as the city authorities of Albany, N. Y., locate and repair the break in the intercepting sewer near a point where the sewer passes under the Delaware & Hudson embankment and goes under Island Creek to Westerlo Island the city’s intercepting sewer will be opened for use. Until the break is repaired, however, the plant is useless. It was found some time ago that a break had occurred, but it could not be repaired then because of the fact that water in the river and creek was so high that the sewer could not be reached. Recently when men went to look for the break it was discovered that the water main which carries water over to the plant from South Pearl street was also broken. Workmen were sent to repair the break and when their work is finished, which may be in a week or two, the sewer will be used, says the Albany Argus. As soon as the intercepting sewer is ready the sewers which are now pouring raw sewage into the Albany basin will be closed and the sewage diverted to the big concrete sewer which will carry it down to the southern section of the city where it will be treated and where one of these days it is expected that a very high grade of fertilizer will be turned out for the use of the city park system and also for the general public, should it be found that there is a sufficient quantity. There has been much complaint of late regarding the sewage that is daily deposited in the Albany basin. The authorities now have under consideration plans for the dredging of the basin, which in times of low water presents a real menace. Frequently some of the boats landing in the basin have run aground and at all times there is an odor that is not conducive to good health. When the intercepting sewer was constructed it was so planned that when the sewer was to be used the automatic arrangement for closing the outlets into the basin would operate. In times of extreme big water it is also planned to take much of the water, carry it down through the sewer and into the sewage disposal plant where it can pass along harmlessly. Although the plant was completed several months ago it was not put into use because of the expense and the fact that the war was on and it was difficult to obtain help.