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35
this source, it is considered that legislation should be made in the near future
which would provide effective means for dealing with this problem. In addit on
the existing statutory powers fall far short of those necessary to maintain a satisfactory atmospheric standard. Compulsory notification to the Local Authority of
any boiler or furnace installation (new or replacement) is recommended. Approval
of the Local Authority should be obtained as to the type of boiler or furnace to be
installed, and the prior submission of plans and specifications should be made
obligatory. This would enable consideration to be given to the adequacy of building
construction and suitability of furnaces, boilers, etc., to minimise possible smoke
nuisances.
The Inspectors of this Department investigate all complaints of smoke nuisance,
and interview both the managers and the stokers personally. Practical advice is
given on the spot and the staff concerned shown how the furnace can be operated
without creating a smoke nuisance. It is generally found that the representatives of
the Companies concerned are co-operative, but, where nuisances constantly occur,
they are usually caused by the human element and the lack of suitable fuel. During
the year the Department co-operated with St. Pancras, when it was proposed to
erect a refuse destructor of considerable size in the St. Pancras area near the border
of this Borough. The Chief Sanitary Inspectors of the respective Departments
together interviewed the Engineer having control of this project, when the possibilities
of a serious smoke nuisance occurring, which would affect both Boroughs,
were stressed. Having regard to all the implications, the implementation of this
scheme has been deferred for the time being.
A scheme was also submitted for a refuse destructor to be erected in the
Finsbury Park area of this Borough, but again representatives of the Company
concerned were interviewed and attention drawn to the possible pollution of the
atmosphere which would result from its use. Upon investigation it was found more
economical for this Borough's Cleansing Department to remove the trade refuse
periodically and therefore the proposed scheme was not implemented.
Whilst Municipal flats are provided with a grate suitable for burning smokeless
fuel, the majority of domestic premises are not so equipped. Difficulty has been
experienced by householders during the year in obtaining sufficient supplies of
smokeless fuel, which is more expensive and requires increased storage space. Until
the supply of smokeless fuel improves and the householder can obtain it at an
economic price, it will not be easy to persuade occupants of domestic premises to
use this fuel exclusively.
Arrangements were made by the Northampton Polytechnic for a two-sessional
course for stokers, but as the majority of firms in this Borough employ only one
stoker, difficulty is experienced in releasing staff at any time during the day. Attendance
at an evening course has not proved popular with stokers, and therefore the
Inspectors have found that the best method is, when complaints are investigated,
to interview the staff concerned and demonstrate the firing of the boilers in such a
manner as to cause no nuisance. This takes considerable time, but this is time well
spent since the stoker can be shown, with the same fuel and boilers, that it is possible
to stoke the furnaces efficiently.