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ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
The Borough is reasonably free from serious nuisance from smoke within
its own boundaries, whilst considerable improvements have been effected in
the administrative area as a result of co-operative action between officers
of the Public Health Department and those who have, in the past, contributed
to the pollution of the atmosphere.
A survey of industrial premises in which steam raising and central
heating plants were operated was made during the year, and in the great
majority of cases it was ascertained that solid smokeless fuels were employed.
Without doubt the predominant source of atmospheric pollution throughout
the metropolitan area is the domestic fireplace, and it is essential that
local authorities be given the power, under town planning procedure, to secure
the installation of new heating and cooking appliances of approved patterns,
and to ensure that adequate and suitable supplies of solid smokeless fuels
should be available at all times.
During 1954, 55 observations were made in respect of nuisances arising
at premises situate in or adjacent to the Borough, and occasionally reports
are received of excessive smoke emitted by river craft passing Chelsea. It
has been found that when the existence of nuisances has been substantiated,
the operators of industrial plants concerned have taken every possible step
to remedy conditions. As regards river craft, complaints have been referred
to the Port of London Authority who have been most helpful in approaching the
companies whose vessels have been found to be blameworthy.
The Council, in conjunction with other Metropolitan Boroughs and the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has established stations
for the investigation of atmospheric pollution, and data resulting from
the examination of matter collected in an atmospheric deposit gauge, and the
concentration of sulphur dioxide and smoke, are regularly forwarded to the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.