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19
During the year an important legislative step was
taken in the passing of the Clean Air Act. This enactment,
based upon the recommendations of the Committee on Air
Pollution, will be welcomed by all who have laboured for years
to bring about a reduction in the pollution of the atmosphere.
It is the first determined attempt to deal with the problem
comprehensively; the previous legislation had weaknesses which
prevented it achieving its purpose.
The provisions of the Clean Air Act, 1956, come into
force by stages. Owners of industrial premises have seven
years from the 5th July, 1956 in which to bring their boilers
and equipment up to the required standard. Also any house built
after this date cannot be the subject of a grant for the adaptation
of the heating appliances should the area in which it lies
be declared a smokeless zone.
On the 31st December, 1956 provisions came into force
requiring prior approval by Local Authorities of certain
boiler installations and chimneys, also powers were given for
the declaration of smokeless zones,
The creation of smokeless areas must of necessity
depend upon the availability of suitable smokeless fuels and
whilst there may be differences of opinion as to which area.
should be the first to be dealt with, there is much to be
said in favour of improving the known 'black' areas as defined
in the Report of the Committee on Air Pollution In fact, the
Committee stated that the need for amelioration in these areas
was most urgent.
In Kingston at the present time, excluding the Power
Stations, there can be no doubt that the main source of
atmospheric pollution is from domestic chimneys. Bearing In
mind that there is not an adequate supply for all dwellings, it
is recommended that the smokeless fuel available should be used
in those portions of Kingston where temperature inversion at
certain times of the year is most marked, and particularly that
this fuel should be used in the fires of bungalows and temporary
prefabricated dwellings which discharge the chimney gases at a
low level. The serious extent of pollution of the atmosphere
from this source can be seen in the autumn and winter evenings
and a clearly marked zone of polluted air is readily discernible.
In spite of all the publicity on the subject, it is
obvious that many people are not aware of the advantages of
the use of coke and the various proprietary smokeless fuels.
A considerable saving in the cost of valuable fuel can also be
made by the adaptation of fireplaces which have a low efficiency.
More attention should be given to the use of fireplaces in which
there is adequate control of the air passing through the flue.
It is not possible to warm a room properly if the throat of the
flue is so large as to pass a considerable volume of air,
thereby creating unnecessary draught.
Greater efficiency in the use of fuel in domestic fires
would lead to a reduction in consumption, would be an economic
advantage, and would lead to a consequent reduction in the
amount of pollution of the atmosphere.