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completion of the Smoke Control Programme and following a study of the
data provided over recent years, it was decided to reduce the number
of measurement recording stations from 7 to 4. The remaining stations are
sited strategically in the North, Centre and South of the Borough. Records
show that the trend in Hammersmith is in keeping with that in the general
London Area. Solid pollutants have been reduced to l/5th of the pre-1956
level, and the sulphur dioxide content by l/3rd.
Exhaust fumes from petrol and diesel-driven vehicles, although not
officially regarded by the Government as a health hazard are, to say the
least, undesirable and should be regarded as reducing the amenities of
the Borough.
It is now possible to reduce pollution from vehicle exhaust fumes.
In America and on the Continent, legislation has been passed to this
effect, and it is hoped that before long this country will come into line.
1970 is to be European Conservation Year, and should provide a good opportunity
to tackle this growing problem.
The Clean Air Act, 1968
On the 1st.April, 1969, the following provisions of the Clean Air
Act, 1969, came into operation: Sections 2, 6 and 8-15, together with
Schedule 1, (except paragraphs 2, 5, 8, 9 and 11), and Schedule 2. On the
1st.October, 1969: Sections 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7, together with Schedule 1,
paragraphs 2,5,8,9 and 11.
The following Statutory Instruments came into operation on the 1st.
April, 1969:-
No. 411.The Clean Air (Height of Chimneys)(Exemption) Regulations,
1963.
No. 412.The Clean Air (Height of Chimneys)(Prescribed Form)
Regulations,1969.
The following Statutory Instruments came into operation on 1st.
October 1969:—
No.1262. The Clean Air (Arrestment Plant)(Exemption)Regulations,
1969.
No.1263. The Clean Air (Emission of Dark Smoke)(Exemption)
Regulations,1969.
Operative 31st December, 1969:-
No.1798. The Smoke Control Areas (Authorised Fuel) Regulations,
1969.
Implementation of Clean Air Act, 1968
Seption 6 which deals with chimney heights does not affect furnaces
under million Btus/hr. As most of the heating plants installed in the
Borough are well under this rating, the Council cannot effectively control
the height of chimneys of the smaller and medium-size installations under
this Section. Therefore, great care must be taken to see that any proposed
chimney will be of adequate height and sited and installed so as not to
cause a nuisance to the neighbourhoods in which it is erected. It would
greatly help if Section 6 were to be extended to cover all furnaces with
a heating capacity exceeding 180,000 Btus/hr.
B. 18