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33.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
The Clean Air Act 1956 became law on 31st December 1956, although
only a limited number of important sections became operative on that date.
Progress has been particularly significant concerning the application
of:-
(a) Section 3, which requires that all now furnaces shall be, as far
as is practicable, smokeless, and
(b) Section 11 whereby local authorities may establish smoke control
areas.
During the year 308 flats were completed by the Shoreditch Borough
Council making a total of 2623 flats erected since World War II. In every
instance provision has been made for the space heating of the living
rooms and in some, for the heating of the domestic hot water supply, by
means of approved typo of eppliances for burning smokeless fuel. All therefore
comply with the provisions of the Clean Air Act.
Twenty-two central boiler houses supply domestic hot water to the
majority of these flats, the furnaces being fired as follows:-
(a) Five oil-fired furnaces.
(b) Throe underfeed stokers
(c) Fourteen hand-fired furnaces.
The oil-fired furnaces and underfeed stokers have operated very
successfully and comply with the requirements of Section 3 of the Clean
Air Act, resulting also in a substantial saving in fuel and man-power.
The Council have also agreed to convert all the remaining hand-fired
boilers in the 14 boiler houses to the Council flats to oil-burning
appliances at an estimated cost of £28,000 and work on the conversion
commenced during the year. With efficient operation end proper
maintenance a big reduction in atmospheric pollution will be effected.
An important advance was made during the year in the design for
space heating to multi-storey blocks of flats (over 10 storeys).
In future, open fireplaces are to be omitted in the design of multistorey
flats. Electric floor heating is to be provided and domestic hot
water will be supplied from a central boiler house equipped with oil
burning furnaces. The absence of open fires will make a further
contribution to clean air conditions.
The prevention of atmospheric pollution in existing premises.
During the year 579 smoke observations were made as against 394
in 1956. 13 Notices were served concerning smoke nuisance under the
Public Health (London) Act 1936. Plants were inspected and advice given