The selection of the site for the sea outfall sewer is a matter
requiring a most careful consideration of the many factors
bearing on the point, and the permanent success of any scheme
of sewage disposal depends primarily upon the skill shown in
this matter. The first step is to obtain a general idea of the
tidal conditions, and to examine the Admiralty charts of the
locality, which will show the general set of the main currents
into which it is desirable the sewage should get as quickly as
possible. The main currents may be at some considerable
distance from the shore, especially if the town is situated in
a bay, when the main current will probably be found running
across the mouth of it from headland to headland. The sea
outfall should not be in the vicinity of the bathing grounds,
the pier, or parts of the shore where visitors mostly
congregate; it should not be near oyster beds or lobster
grounds. The prosperity--in fact, the very existence--of most
seaside towns depends upon their capability of attracting
visitors, whose susceptibilities must be studied before
economic or engineering questions, and there are always
sentimental objections to sewage works, however well designed
and conducted they may be.

It is desirable that the sea outfall should be buried in the
shore for the greater part of its length, not only on account
of these sentimental feelings, but as a protection from the
force of the waves, and so that it should not interfere with
boating; and, further, where any part of the outfall between
high and low water mark is above the shore, scouring of the
beach will inevitably take place on each side of it. The