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measuring instruments are sited in selected areas of the Borough
and measurements taken daily.
In addition to providing useful local information on the amount
of air pollution these results are forwarded monthly to Warren
Spring Laboratory and the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research for integration with the national figures.
INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION
The Southern (Riverside) part of the Borough contains several
large industrial concentrations with heavy industries and from
time to time are the subject of complaints of smoke and/or
smell.
The principal sources of concern are processes registered
under the provisions of the Alkali etc. Works Regulation Act, 1906
as extended by the Alkali etc. Works Order, 1966, and are in the
main the responsibility of the Alkali Inspectorate.
Modern industry is very complicated and massive and creates
a wide range of complex chemical, engineering and combustion
problems which are dealt with in close liaison with the Alkali
Inspector with whom our relationship has been excellent and a
teamwork has developed which reacts to the advantage of both
sides.
The Alkali Inspectorate dealing with national problems
can, of course, call upon a much wider reservoir of knowledge
than that within the area of one Local Authority.
One of the complaints in which joint action had to be taken
concerned one of the largest foundaries in the world which
produces iron castings for cars, tractors, and commercial vehicles.
Metal to make the castings is melted in 5 furnaces known as
cupolas of which 3 usually operate at a time. In the operation
of these furnaces, which use coke as the fuel to melt the metal, a
considerable volume of smoke is emitted from the top of each
furnace stack which protrudes above the foundry roof level. The
company concerned have long been conscious of the unpleasant
effect of this smoke on people living and working in the locality
and are taking steps for air pollution prevention equipment to be
fitted to their largest cupola. If this plant proves to be satisfactory
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