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48
found in tidal waters is reduced by bacterial action and hydrogen
sulphide is formed. In this respect, the Director of the Water
Pollution Research Laboratory at Stevenage has asserted that
during dry weather many miles of the Thames Estuary contains no
oxygen and in this region hydrogen sulphide is evolved, giving rise
to complaints both because of its smell and because of the corrosion
it causes.
The London County Council having been long aware of the
shortcomings of its sewage disposal system laid down in the 1860's.
and which has been unable to keep pace with modern demands,
took steps in September 1950 to improve the situation and new
works in connection with these improvements are expected to be
completed by 1963 at a cost of some £10 million.
Much useful and enlightening information on the subject of
river pollution is expected to be divulged in a report commissioned
by the Minister of Local Government and Planning in April,
1951. A committee, headed by Professor Alfred Pippard, Emeritus
Professor of Civil Engineering at Imperial College, London, has
been engaged for almost ten years in a study of the pollution of the
tidal reaches of the Thames and its report is expected to be published
during the latter half of 1961.
Storm Flooding.—Damage to property during the year due
to unusually heavy rainfall was of a minor nature and complaints
received regarding premises affected by storm damage were few
and, in the main, found to be due to defective roofs, blocked gutters
and drains. However, some complaints of flooding due to the surcharging
of sewers were received from Kidbrooke and the East
Greenwich and Charlton areas in the vicinity of the river. All
reported cases were visited and investigated by the respective
Public Health Inspectors and, where necessary, advice and treatment
were given.
In several instances, with the agreement and co-operation of
the Baths Superintendent, soft furnishings such as bedding, carpets,
etc., soaked with rainwater were collected, dried and subsequently
returned.
River Ravensbourne—Jurisdiction. Floodings accompanying
recent heavy storms have emphasised the need for preventing the
overflowing of the Ravensbourne and its tributaries at times of
heavy rainfall.
Many properties in the Borough in close proximity to the
River Ravensbourne have suffered from inundations once or twice
a year in recent years and flood waters have penetrated to the