Traditional methods of sewage handling include pit toilets, latrines, and outhouses. Sanitation was handled, imperfectly, by outhouses (privies) shared between several dwellings. Outhouses that are covering pit latrines in densely populated areas can cause groundwater pollution. Behind most of the houses were outhouses, barns, and windmills. Toilets consisted of outhouses constructed directly over Phalen Creek. Minor structures, including awnings, barns, and outhouses, were damaged. Pail closets, outhouses, and cesspits were used to collect human waste. The fire destroyed the entire plantation, including Thomas' office, the barns, and outhouses. Of the outhouses, Tull's granary and his stables are still in existence, although deteriorating. Outhouses are located in back of the huts. They built outhouses, pavilions, and the camping areas. The downtown area also featured hitching posts for tethering horses as well as public outhouses. These simple outhouses are stocked with red worms (a staple used by home composters). Outhouses were typically separate, small structures. Floor plans typically are rectangular or square, but hexagonal outhouses have been built.