The Sewage Disposal Works of Decatur, Illinois

Since 1917 the Sanitary District of Decatur, III., has completed intercepting sewers, pumping stations, and treatment works for sewage disposal at a total cost for construction projects of about $1 700 000. The treatment of the sewage has been complicated by the waste from a large starch works which has increased the human population of about 50 000 to a total equivalent population of 300 000, more or less, during periods of heavy corn grinding at the starch works. The peculiar character of the sewage has required the operation of two testing stations prior to the design of the sewage treatment works. A record of the steps taken and of the works built in connection with the development of this project is described in this paper. The writers' connections with the work were as Consulting Engineer and Superintendent, respectively, for the Decatur Sanitary District.