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102
FURTHER POLLUTION OF THE RIVERS POOL AND
RAYENSBOURNE BY THE ADMISSION OF WATER-GAS
TAR FROM THE CRYSTAL PALACE DISTRICT
GAS WORKS.
On Saturday, May 21st, four days after judgment was
obtained, Inspectors Pidwell and Knappett made an inspection
of the river at Catford Bridge at 9.30 a.m. and reported that
large quantities of tarry matter emitting an offensive odour were
floating on the surface of the river.
At 10.30 a.m. I visited Catford Bridge and confirmed the
report made to me by the inspectors, a serious pollution being
evident at the time of my visit.
The inspectors then proceeded to Castlands Lane, where
the river was covered with tarry matter, and procured sample of
water No. 14 (11.0 a.m.). Mr. Wood, of Catford Hill, was
present with the inspectors at Castlands Lane.
The inspectors then proceeded to inspect the river at
Southend Lane, where the water was free from any tarry matter
or odour. Sample of water No. 15 was taken at 11.25 a.m.
They afterwards visited the gas-works at 11.40 a.m.
and saw Mr. Shoubridge, the engineer, who said that
he was glad to see them, and that he was doing his utmost to
discover the leakage. He told Mr. Malster, the foreman, to show
them what was being done.
The company were excavating alongside the oil tank
about ten feet from the river. Tar was oozing from the ground.
A contractor's pump had been fixed and was being used to
remove the tarry matter as it accumulated. This was pumped
into the well of the tar separating tank. The company had
excavated alongside the wall of the culvert. This also contained
tarry matter which was being removed by an ejector to the tar
separating tank. Other excavations were in progress.