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52
SURVEY OF MAJOR INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS
For some years there have been complaints from residential areas
of nuisances such as aromas, noise, dust, etc from industrial plants
adjacent to residential areas.
All complaints have been investigated but very rarely have they
been found to fall within the scope of statutory nuisances and calling
for action by the Local Authority. Nevertheless, where considered
appropriate the firm or firms concerned have been approached and the
alleged nuisance brought to their notice.
More recently there has been an increase in the number of
complaints received, particularly as regards noise and exhaust fumes
from vehicles smells from factories, danger from traffic etc. As a
result of this increased number of complaints the Borough Engineer and
Surveyor, Mr E R Knight M Eng (Liv. ) etc and the Medical Officer
of Health visited every major industrial undertaking in the Borough and
discussed all aspects of the work which might affect the public or give
potential opportunity for complaints.
The matters investigated covered health aspects and traffic problens
and the findings of the officers was the subject of a report to the
Council More than 60 firms were visited and in every case discussions
took place with senior executive or technical officers of the firms and
a visit was paid to the plant itself Without exception we met with
every courtesy and assistance and were given the fullest information.
In general, there is no serious nuisance in the Borough from
industry In almost every case, managements were fully alive to any
potential nuisance from their works and were already taking steps to
minimise or eliminate this many having spent large sums on special
plant to eliminate nuisance. In a very few instances suggestions were
made on possible further lines of action.
In a handful of cases the nature of the materials used or the
processes involved, make it impossible in the light of present technical
knowledge - to prevent the escape, in some degree of dust or odour,
etc. In some of these cases, there is at present no known practical
method of eliminating the trouble but the firms are already taking the
best known means of minimising the emission In a number of cases,
research is also being carried out to find better methods of control.
EXHAUST FUMES FROM DIESEL VEHICLES
In October, 1959. following observation that Diesel engined
vehicles proceeding through Qnoke Control Areas were sometimes polluting
the atmosphere by the emission of heavy black smoke, the outside staff
of my Department were asked to report details of any such vehicle
observed to be emitting excessive smoke, so that the matter could be
brought to the notice of the owners of the vehicles concerned. This
practice had been successfully followed by the writer in his previous
appointment since 1954
Since that date, six vehicles have been observed in the Borough to
be emitting heavy black smoke and on each occasion the owners of the
vehicle have been traced and written to, with a view to seeking their