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CLEAN AIR ACT 1956
During the year 1961, 49 complaints were received with regard to smoke
or grit emission, and the necessary observations were made and remedial
action taken.
21 notices of proposal to instal a furnace to which Section 3(1) of the
Act applied were received, and the installations were inspected and recorded.
"Prior approval" under Section 3(2) of the Act was given to the
installation of 3 new oil-fired furnaces during the year. In 4 instances
plana which were deposited for Building Bye-law approval showed in each case
the proposed construction of a chimney. After examination of the plans,
followed by discussions with the applicants, opinions upon the heights of
the chimneys in relation to Section 10 of the Clean Air Act 1956, were
submitted to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
National Survey of Atmospheric Pollution.
The use of the standard deposit gauges and lead peroxide instruments
sited within the Borough was discontinued in April 1961. These instruments
were replaced by 5 daily smoke filter and sulphur dioxide (volumetric)
instruments sited in approved positions in the Borough. It is proposed to
commence recording on the 1st January, 1962, and the instruments will be
visited each day. After standardisation, the recordings will be sent
each month to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for
publication in the Atmospheric Pollution Bulletin, together with the results
of measurements by 562 Local Authorities and other Organisations.
The Council appointed the Chairman of the Health Committee and the
Senior Public Health Inspector as their representatives on the Standing
Conference convened by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research,
and comprising all co-operating bodies. This Conference met twice during the
year.
Smoke Control Areas.
Progress was made during 1961 to implement the scheme which the Council
approved in 1959 to enable the making of Smoke Control Orders covering the
whole of the Borough. A Technical Assistant, to assist in this work, was
appointed, and Smoke Control Area No.l was surveyed. In December the Council
made an Order in respect of this Area, and at the end of 1961 the Order was
awaiting submission to the Minister of Housing and Local Government for
confirmation.
The total number of visits made during 1961 under the Clean Air Act 1956
for all purposes was 3,885.
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