Use of massive Porites

[Michael Risk]

I have already replied privately to Ron; your wider inquiry prompts this
response.

Surely the wharf- and sea-wall building activities of the Bugis and Badjo
have already cleared more corals from those shores than could possibly be
used in septic tanks...

1. Porites is the most "porous" of the Scleractinians, hence its name. It
would make superbly absorbent tank-linings: but the stuff is going to
leach right through.

2. It is against the law, throughout Indonesia, to collect live corals for
this or any other purpose-so there is an enforcement problem.

3. because the septic waste itself will leach right through a Porites
wall/lining, there will be all sorts of public health implications. It
will be an educational problem, but: light-aggregate (coral rubble)
concrete tanks make excellent holding vessels.

I agree that this is a problem, but the reefs of Sulawesi face larger
challenges than being used as septic tank materials-most of them receive
the same material, in somewhat more dilute form, whilst still
alive...check out the extent of damage of the raw sewage plume from
Manado.

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