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39
AIR POLLUTION
(Smoke Abatement Officer - Mr. G. Stubbs)
The figures of deposited matter in the Borough, as recorded by
the Council's instruments, show a slight improvement. There was, however,
an increase in the amount of smoke as compared with the previous
year, and the sulphur dioxide figures, both from the lead peroxide
instruments and the daily volumetric apparatus, have again shown a
higher average.
During the latter part of the year the old Bankside Power Station
was demolished by the Central Electricity Generating Board to facilitate
the completion of the new Power Station.
A "Cleaner Air in Southwark" Exhibition was held at the Newington
Public Hall, Manor Place from April 13th to 18th. In addition to the
models constructed by the staff of the Public Health Department on the
theme "smoke through the ages", there were exhibits depictingthe harmful
effects of smoke pollution, particularly from the domestic use of
raw coal, and showing alternative methods of heating by smokeless
fuels, gas, electricity and oil. The apparatus used for the measurement
of atmospheric pollution were demonstrated and explained.
A variety of films, both instructive and entertaining, were shown
throughout each day and proved very popular. These films were made
available by the various exhibiting organisations.
The publicity for the exhibition was widely covered by hand-bills,
posters, slides in cinemas, advertisements in local newspapers and in
the Council's "Civic News" distributed to every dwelling in the Borough.
The B.B. C. referred to the Exhibition in local news bulletins and considerable
publicity was given by the local Press.
There was a satisfactory standard of attendances and special
arrangements were made for conducting parties of school-children and
technical students round the Exhibition.
During the year several complaints were received of smoke emissions
from incinerators burning waste products. As a result of visits by the
Inspector, one modern incinerator was installed and two others were
renovated, and two firms decided to discontinue burning their trade
wastes.
Fifteen notifications were received of proposals to install new
furnaces, and plans and specifications in'respect of three other instalations
were submitted and approval given. One other application for
approval is the subject of negotiations.