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of redeveloping the old parts of this area has, however, already commenced and
separate surface water drainage will be provided for this new development.
This will ameliorate to a great extent the surcharging of the Hendon Way sewer.
The main trunk soil sewers discharge into the West Middlesex trunk sewer
which has its outfall at Mogden, Middlesex.
The surface water drainage of the Borough is carried by public surface water
sewers and open watercourses into the River Brent and the Dollis Brook, which
discharge to the Brent Reservoir.
Over the past six years extensive flood relief schemes have been carried
out by the Council for dealing with run-off from normal storms. The Council's
proposals are by no means completed but the necessary work of preparatory investigation
and preparation of technical reports is proceeding, so that flooding
difficulties which occur during times of normal storms may be ameliorated.
POLLUTION OP WATERCOURSES
Two hundred and five visits were made by the Public Health Inspectors in
investigating the pollution of watercourses.
The waste-pipes from 71 sinks or lavatory basins were found to be incorrectly
discharging to surface water drainage systems and thence to watercourses.
These were dealt with, either by having the fitments removed or the waste-pipes
diverted to soil drainage systems.
A number of complaints were received of oil pollution of the watercourses.
These are not so easily dealt with. Two major sources of pollution were
successfully traced and steps taken to prevent a recurrence, but a number of
minor sources could not be located. These probably arose from thoughtless
pouring of waste oil down surface water gullies in garage drives. This may seem
a matter of little importance to those disposing of the oil, but to householders
whose gardens border on to open watercourses, the prolonged pungent smell of
oil during the summer, when at times there is little flow of water, can be
most nauseating.
LOCAL LAND CHARGES ENQUIRIES
During the year, enquiries were received from the Town Clerk in respect
of 3388 properties. These related to any action being taken under the
Public Health, Housing and Rent Acts, inclusion in Smoke Control Areas and in
Housing Areas (areas schedules for redevelopment). The necessary enquiries or
inspections were made and the information supplied.
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