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Smoke Abatement
The factory chimneys in the area have been kept under observation and generally
little nuisance from smoke or grit has occurred.
Thirty-one complaints were received during the year concerning industrial and
domestic chimneys.
In addition, 27 complaints were received with regard to the burning of garden and
other refuse and action was taken in a number of cases where it was considered that
burning was habitual and causing a nuisance.
A considerable number of installations, both industrial and domestic, are still being
converted or installed for oil burning.
In a number of instances, where plans had been submitted, it was necessary to
ask for the height of the chimneys to be increased.
Many enquiries are received by the Petroleum Inspector from persons desirous of
installing oil fired plant and regarding the safe storage of the oil and whilst advice is
freely given it is sometimes not accepted and in the absence of legistlation, requirements
considered necessary cannot be enforced.
Atmospheric Pollution
The deposit guages have now been replaced by volumetric apparatus for the
determination of smoke and sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. The measurements
of pollution recorded during 1962 are shown in the table below followed by graphs
indicating the average and highest values of concentration at all sites, and for the
purpose of comparison the concentration at the Public Health Department only during
the years 1961 and 1962.
The term "smoke" is used to denote all fine suspended impurity in the atmosphere
which is collected by a test filter and assessed by means of a Reflectometer.
"Sulphur Dioxide" includes all acid-producing gases in the air with the exception of
carbon dioxide and is the "net acidity" of the air calculated as sulphur dioxide.
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