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from adjoining residents and from the staff of a neighbouring school. Investigations
revealed a maximum noise level of 91 dBA. The management co-operated
with the Department and carried out extensive sound insulation works which
proved to be sufficient to bring the case within the "best practicable means"
defence provided in the Noise Abatement Act, thus limiting further statutory
action. The noise from this factory, although considerably reduced within the
limits prescribed by B.S.4142, is still a source of annoyance in the neighbourhood
and will continue to be so as a non-conforming industry situated in close proximity
to a school and a large housing estate.
This is a case in point where prior approval by the local authority, following
notification by the management of its intention to install new plant and machinery,
with an indication from the plant manufacturers of expected noise emission, would
have prevented a serious nuisance occurring.
Many of the complaints received were less than, or on the borderline of, the
recommendations set out in B.S.4142 and were in the main dealt with informally
by negotiation with the management of the factories concerned. In nearly every
case the question was asked both by complainants and managements "what is the
level of noise allowed by law".
The local authority is building a large Council estate on land flanked by
factories and already complaints have been received of noise nuisance at night.
As the noise levels recorded comply with B.S.4142, no formal action is contemplated.
An automatic car "wash and dry" installation caused serious nuisance at
night time and was abated by the management agreeing to switch off the plant at
9.00 p.m.
A similar situation concerning a water pump situated in a launderette below
and adjacent to residential property was dealt with by persuading the management
to insulate the premises and to protect water pipes from damage by frost, thus
enabling the pump to be switched off between the hours of 9.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m.
A noise nuisance from a single fan was abated by altering the fan blades
and reducing the speed of the motor with no loss of efficiency.
Alleged noise nuisances at night from a bakery using a bread slicing machine
and from a factory manufacturing paper are at present under review."
Clean Air Act, 1956
Measurement of Air
Pollution
The department continues to co-operate with the Ministry of Technology in a national
survey of air pollution, concentrations of smoke and sulphur dioxide are measured by apparatus
installed at three sites situated in the north, centre and south of the Borough.
During the year further measures were taken for the measurement of air pollution in
order to monitor an area likely to be affected by grit and dust emission from the new Greater
London Council refuse disposal plant, which is in the course of erection in the adjoining
Borough of Enfield. A directional deposit gauge has been installed in a suitable position
approximately three quarters of a mile from, and due west of, the BOO ft. high chimney of the
proposed disposal plant.
Monthly measurements are at present being taken to ascertain the present level of grit
and dust pollution in the area. This will be used for comparison with the results obtained when
the plant is in full operation, to determine whether there is any significant increase in airborne
pollution.
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