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97
Mr Pollution Complaints.
There were 104 complaints from the public about nuisance from
smoke and grit. Fifty-six of these concerned bonfires, 18 smoke
from factory chimneys, 21 smoking domestic chimneys and 9 grit and
smuts.
The increase in the number of bonfire complaints is indicative
of the growing concern of the public about this problem. The
Department distributes leaflets to residents in smoke control areas
giving advice on how to reduce smoke from bonfires and avoid complaints.
Advice and assistance are also given verbally and by
letter when specific complaints are under investigation. The complaints
about smoke, grit and smuts from factory chimneys were the
result of defects in plant or operation and were quickly rectified.
Chimney Heights.
Six plans were submitted for determination of chimney heights
under Section 10 of the Clean Air Act, 1956. In 4 further cases
advice was given where new chimneys, exempted from the provisions of
Section 10, were being erected.
Until practical means have been developed for the removal of
sulphur from fuel or sulphur oxides from flue gases, some control
over the heights of new chimneys is essential in order to keep the
concentration of sulphur dioxide at ground level within reasonable
limits. It is unfortunate that, because shops, offices and blocks
of flats are exempted from the provisions of Section 10, the heights
of many chimneys erected in the Borough are outside the control of
this Authority. It is found in practice that architects often seek
the advice of the Local Authority even in respect of exempted chimneys,
but the amendment of this section of the Clean Air Act to embrace all
chimneys serving large plant is long overdue.
Recording of Air Pollution,
Instruments for measuring the amount of smoke and sulphur dioxide
in the air are maintained at the Guildhall, Tiffin Girls' School, in
Maiden Road, New Maiden and at Alpha Road Public Health Depot. These
operate continuously and readings are taken five times a week. The
figures are submitted monthly to the Ministry of Technology's Warren
Spring Laboratory for inclusion in the national survey of atmospheric
pollution.
The opportunity is taken to express appreciation of the assistance
given by the staff and students of Tiffin Girls' School in maintaining
one of the sites.