6-12. LATRINES USED IN HIGH WATER TABLE AREAS
The mound latrine and burn-out latrine may be used when a high ground water
table or a rock formation near the ground surface prevents the digging of a deep pit. A
discussion of each follows:
a. Mound Latrine. A dirt mound makes it possible to build a deep pit latrine and
still not have the pit extending into the water or the rock (figure 6-7).
(1) Construction. A mound of earth having a top at least six feet wide and
12 feet long should be constructed so that a 4-hole latrine box may be placed on its top.
The mound should be high enough to meet the pit's requirement for depth, allowing one
foot from the base of the pit to the water or the rock level. Before the mound is built, the
area where it is to be placed should be broken up or plowed in order to aid seepage of
liquids from the pit. If timber is available, a crib of desired height is then built to enclose
the pit and to help support the latrine box. The mound is then built and compacted in
successive 1-foot layers until the top of the crib is reached as shown in figure 6-7. The
surface of each layer is roughened before the next is added. If timber sufficient for
building a crib is not available, the mound is constructed to the desired height in 1-foot
layers as described. The pit is then dug into the mound. It may be necessary to brace
the walls with wood, sandbags, or other suitable material to prevent cave-ins. The size
of the base of the mound will depend on the type of soil in the area and should be made
larger if the slope is too steep. It may be necessary to build steps up the slope.
(2) Fly-proofing and closing. The mound latrine should be fly-proofed in the
same manner as is the deep pit latrine. It also is closed in the same manner as is the
deep pit latrine.
Figure 6-7. Mound latrine with timber crib.
MD0008
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