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SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
No difficulties were encountered during the year arising from major defects in the Borough's sewer
system.
AIR POLLUTION
DOMESTIC SMOKE CONTROL
It is regrettable to have to report that, one year after the Borough became completely smoke controlled,
the availability of solid smokeless fuels situation deteriorated to such an extent that Islington, like the
majority of other London Boroughs, found it necessary to suspend orders relating to approximately 40% of
its property.
It was estimated that the solid smokeless fuel appliances in use within the Borough amounted to only
about 4% of appliances used. However, in view of the advice received from the Society of Coal Merchants,
the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the London Boroughs Association, the Council decided
that it could not sustain the risk of even a very small number of residents being without fuel supplies that
might otherwise be available if smoke control was relaxed to some extent.
It is hoped that the present situation will be short-lived as it has taken a great deal of effort since the
Clean Air Act 1956 to achieve complete smoke control. In the short term there is no likelihood of the
return of the notorious London Smogs, but any lengthy suspension of smoke control must mean that the
resolve of all concerned to achieve cleaner and healthier surroundings by the absence of air pollution is
weakened and thereby the whole clean air programme is prejudiced.
CHROMIUM CONTAMINATION
As a result of complaints received from residents living in an area in which their houses back on to a
metal plating works, samples of foliage and leaves from vegetables growing in the gardens were sent to the
public analyst. The examination of the leaves indicated the presence of some chromium contamination. A
public health inspector met the alkali inspector at the factory and on his advice the firm were asked to
carry out works which included the addition of water sprays to the three existing scrubbing plants.
To control the process, it is intended to take further samples from time to time.
DEMOLITION SITES
With the vast amount of demolition work being carried on in this Borough, the burning of old timber and
other waste material can become a serious smoke nuisance if not frequently checked. Public health
inspectors now make themselves aware of all demolition work due to start, to meet the demolition
contractors, and visit the sites often to ensure that the work is being carried out reasonably.
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONTROL
The following are the number of notifications and applications received during the year in respect of new
furnace installations and chimneys: —
Clean Air Act, 1956. Section 3 (1)
Notifications of installation of furnaces (over 55,000 BTU's) = 15
Clean Air Act, 1956. Section 3 (3)
Applications for prior approval of installation of furnaces (all approved) = 8
Clean Air Act, 1968. Section 6
Application for approval of chimney heights (all approved) = 8
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