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63
POLLUTION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS
During the year 329 inspections were made to ascertain if
any evidence of pollution or obstruction was apparent in the
water courses within the Borough and in addition samples of the
waters were taken for analysis. Appropriate action was taken
where pollution was observed.
It should be remembered that all surface water drainage in
the Borough is discharged into streams, and it is an offence to
permit a polluting material to enter surface water drainage
systems.
SMOKE ABATEMENT
The District Public Health Inspectors observe the various
factory chimneys in their respective areas with a view to
detecting the discharge of smoke or grit as to be a nuisance.
Bye-laws are in force regarding the emission of "black" smoke,
whereby it is an offence if such smoke is discharged for more
than two minutes, in total, over a period of half an hour's
observation.
123 such observations were carried out and in 2 instances
black smoke was emitted for more than the statutory limit. The
Managements were immediately interviewed and informed of the
offence and advised. In no case did it become necessary to
serve a Statutory notice to abate smoke nuisances.
The Clean Air Act, 1956 was first operative during the year,
but only in part, involving the giving of notice prior to the
fixing of new furnaces; the control of the height of new
chimneys to boiler plant, and provisions regarding the establishment
of Smoke Control Areas.
The prior notice provision is useful as itgives the Department
an opportunity of discussing with the factory occupier and
his advisers the technical aspect of smoke prevention before the
plant is fitted. Heights of new chimney stacks present something
of a problem as so many conditions affecting the relationship
of other buildings, topography, prevailing wind direction,
fuels used, type of construction of the building, and the stack
all influence the decision as to what may be considered to be a
suitable height whereby the products of combustion will be
properly dispersed. A number of cases have been dealt with
during the year where additional height was requested and agreed.