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theless, the presence of atmospheric sulphuretted hydrogen
has been apparent from time to time at various positions on
the river bank. On no occasions, however, have the gas liberations
been anything like so prolonged as those which existed
during the summers which preceded that of 1960, and in
November it was claimed that for the first time in 20 years,
live fish had been seen in the River Thames off Erith.
In September, the London County Council announced
that sludge vessels 'Henry Ward,' 'J. H. Hunter' and 'John
Perring ' (1,500 ton boats), having served for nearly 40 years
and each having steamed over a million miles, were to be
replaced by two twin screw Diesel sludge vessels. Delivery
of the first boat is expected on 1st December, 1963 and the
second on 1st June, 1964. The boats will carry 2,000 tons
of sludge and are designed for a maximum speed of 12 knots.
When commissioned, they will take sludge from the mam
drainage outfall works at Crossness and Barking to a deposit
area at Black Deep in the North Sea, a return distance of
about 110 miles.
The Clean Rivers (Estuaries and Tidal Waters) Act
which came into operation on 29th September, 1960 is the
Statute for dealing with the pollution of tidal rivers. The
schedule to the Act lists all such rivers in England and Wales,
except the River Thames, for which the Port of London
Authority already has powers.
D(10) Flooding
Following the exceptional rainfall during a storm on the
evening of 4th May, flooding incidents were localised and
minor in character.
In no instance was it found necessary to render material
assistance other than that of removing obstructions from a
number of choked interceptors.
D(11) Council Refuse Tip.
Prior to its ultimate disposal by contractors, town's refuse
is temporarily deposited at a Council site in Manor Road.
The site in question is kept under constant review, particular
attention being paid to the possibility of rodent infestation.
One minor infestation was effectively dealt with during
the year.