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The practical measures taken by Public Health Inspectors to mitigate pollution of
the atmosphere by smoke and grit include the taking of smoke observations of factory
chimneys, inspection of boiler installations, advice to boiler operatives on proper
use of fuel and methods of stoking, and discussions with managerial staff. 298 such
investigations were carried out during the year, and a further 2,033 inspections were
made in connection with the establishment of Smoke Control Areas.
Special surveys are in progress for the scientific measurement of grit and dust
deposited in specified parts of the Borough; for this purpose nine standard deposit
gauges are being used, the results from which are published monthly in the bulletin of
the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
The special survey conducted to measure the amount of dust and grit deposited in
the vicinity of the Lea Bridge Road Gas Works has continued during the year. The results
obtained from the standard deposit gauges during 1959 are given below, and it is
proposed to submit a further report to the Public Health Committee when the figures
for 1960 are available.
The problem of atmospheric pollution in the vicinity of the Lea Bridge Road Gas
Works was brought to the attention of the Council in the form of a petition signed by
558 residents, and submitted to the Town Hall during September of 1958, alleging
nuisances from the manufacture of "clean-glow" smokeless fuel.
Prom the observations made in this area and from numerous individual complaints
it became apparent that in spite of extensive improvements in the processing, stocking
and handling of coke and other fuels carried out by the North Thames Gas Board as a
result of representations made by the Council and Public Health Department, there had
been no appreciable reduction in the emission of dust and grit deposited in the vicinity
of the Works, probably due to the fact that such modifications as had taken place were
being offset by an increase in the emission of coal carbonised, and also because the
type of coal used for the manufacture of "clean-glow" produced more dust than other
grades of fuel.
It was found that the nuisance from the Gas Works was not solely concerned with
the emission of smoke, dust and grit from chimney furnaces and fixed plant, but that
part of the dust nuisance could be attributed to certain open air processes, such as
stock-piling and man-handling of coke and other fuels in close proximity to surrounding
dwelling houses.
As a result of these investigations the Council decided (vide Council Minute
1145(3), 1958/59) that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the Alkalies
Inspectorate Division of the Ministry, and the North Thames Gas Board be invited to
appoint representatives to attend a joint meeting with members of the Public Health
Committee and the appropriate officers of the Council to discuss the problem. This
meeting took place at the Town Hall on the 29th October, 1958, under the Chairmanship
of Councillor P.W.Marshall, chairman of the Public Health Committee. Accompanying him
were the Vice-chairman and two members of the Public Health Committee, the Town Clerk,
the Medical Officer of Health and the Chief Public Health Inspector. There were also
present Mr.R.W.Sorensen, M.P., and the representatives of the Ministry of Housing and
Local Government and of the Alkalies inspectorate.
The representatives of the North Thames Gas Board were informed of the Council's
grave concern at the continuance of the serious nuisances emanating from their Works
at Lea Bridge Road, and of the Council's determination that these nuisances should
cease. It was emphasized that although the Council recognised that the North Thames Gas
Board had a statutory duty to provide an adequate gas supply, the Corporation's duty
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