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36
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
During the year the Thames-side Advisory Committee for the
Abatement of Atmospheric Pollution adopted a new constitution
and was renamed the Thames-side Joint Committee for the Abatement
of Atmospheric Pollution. This Council continues to be
represented and, in conjunction with other affected Authorities, an
active part has been played in observing the effects of pollution
caused by cement works flue dust.
The deposit gauge installed at North Cray is read at regular
intervals and serves to indicate the level of the solid matter present
in the atmosphere. Detailed analysis of the matter deposited is given
herewith. The level of total solids per square mile amounts to
14.97 tons each month during the year compared with 12.835 tons
in 1954. It should be realised, however, that the readings obtained
from an individual gauge are subject to considerable variation due
to meteorological factors. It is hoped to instal further deposit and
sulphur dioxide gauges in the Lamorbey area in 1956.
In July, the first sulphur dioxide gauge was provided
at North Cray and the readings so far obtained do not record a
high degree of pollution from this substance within the district.
The emission of industrial black smoke has not been the source
of complaint during the year but the Clean Air Bill laid before
Parliament, toward the end of the year, will, if passed, give further
powers in this direction and secure some control over smoke from
domestic premises.