AN INTERESTING EXAMPLE OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL 
AT ESSEX FELLS, N. J. 
By Albert Priestman 
TN a previous issue we spoke of the dependence 
which of necessity must be placed upon the 
life processes of bacteria, for the complete disposal of 
polluting matters in sewage, and the care which 
should be exercised in the design, construction, and 
operation of sewage works, for complying with the 
conditions governing microbic action. 
A small plant for the purification of sewage at 
Essex Fells, N. J., affords an interesting and useful 
example of a satisfactory and economical method of 
treatment, and of the application of the knowledge 
which has been gained during the past ten years in 
relation to this important subject. 
Essex Fells is one of the most picturesque of the 
many charming residential districts in New jersey 
populated chiefly by the families of those whose busi¬ 
nesses are in New York City. 
About 1895 seeing capitalists purchased 
upwards of fourteen hundred acres of beautifully 
wooded country within a mile of the village of Cald¬ 
well in Essex County, and 350 feet above tide water. 
To-day, tbanks to the excellent judgment of land¬ 
scape gardeners, civil engineers and architects, the 
“well-to-do” make their homes in one of the most 
delightful spots which can well be imagined for those 
who appreciate country life and its many outdoor 
pursuits. 
An abundant supply of excellent drinking water 
from artesian wells, accounts in no small measure for 
the health which apparently is universally enjoyed by 
the inhabitants of Essex Fells, but much is to be 
credited to the complete system of sewerage which 
insures that house wastes do not pass to cesspools to 
poison the ground and atmosphere, but readily grav¬ 
itate to, and are satisfactorily disposed of, at purifi¬ 
cation works. 
The original sewage disposal plant was designed in 
accordance with the best practice in vogue at the date 
of installation. It consisted of a circular grit cham¬ 
ber 18 feet in diameter and ii feet in depth, into 
which the sewage gravitated and in which the heav¬ 
ier matters were deposited. From this chamber the 
sewage passed into a rectangular chamber 30 feet in 
length by 15 feet in width, in which it collected to a 
depth of 8 feet. At the further end of this chamber 
was a “ Field ” siphon. This make of siphon was in¬ 
vented by Rodgers Field of England, nearly thirty 
years ago. The principle under which it operates is 
that of the exhaustion of air from the long leg of the 
siphon, by liquid falling through it and which thus 
entrains the air so that a partial vacuum is formed 
which sets up siphonic action. The liquid is then 
driven up the short leg and down the long leg by 
atmospheric pressure until the contents of the tank or 
reservoir have been withdrawn to the level of the 
mouth of the siphon, when the air enters and the 
Plan of Sewage Disposal Plant, Showing Preliminary Treatment Tanks, Contact Mineralizing Beds, and Sand Filters 
82 
