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30
Atmospheric Pollution.
The southern part of the Urban District, which is predominantly
rural in character, is not subject to heavy smoke pollution.
The northern part of the district, being more heavily populated and
with light industries which are mainly confined to a comparatively
small area at St. Mary Cray is more liable to atmospheric pollution.
The industrial premises have been under frequent supervision
for the prevention of smoke by Public Health Inspectors during the
year, and this has shown that industrial smoke is not now a serious
problem in Orpington.
During the year, however, complaints were received regarding
grit emission from the two factories at which modernisation and
improvements to boiler plants had been successfully carried out
within recent years to eliminate excessive smoke emission. These
improvements may have had the effect of increasing the amount of
grit discharged. Following meetings and discussions, one firm
placed an order for the installation of a Grit Arrester, and at the
other it was hoped to reduce the load on the boilers by utilising the
main electricity supply to a large extent for power purposes.
Two stations are maintained within the district in co-operation
with the Fuel Research Station at Greenwich (acting under the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research). At one is a
Deposit Gauge for the measurement of solid matter suspended in
the air, and at the other a Lead Peroxide Cylinder by means of
which the average concentration of sulphur dioxide within the
district is determined. At monthly intervals, samples are analysed
by the Council's Analyst and his results, when received, are
forwarded to the Fuel Research Station. This information is
invaluable for research purposes and many districts forward similar
results which enables the Fuel Research Station to compile a
summary giving a general picture of the extent of atmospheric
pollution throughout the country.
The Council is represented by the Chairman of the Public
Health Committee and the Chief Public Health Inspector on the
London and Home Counties Smoke Abatement Advisory Council.
The National Smoke Abatement Society and the Standing
Conference of Local Authorities which co-operate with the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Swimming Baths and Pools.
Twenty-five visits of inspection were made by the Public
Health Inspectors to the one swimming bath in the district to which
the public are admitted.