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In addition to routine observation of factor)' chimneys, 13 complaints of nuisances from
smoke or grit were investigated, in some cases by the use of grit plates or Petri dishes, and
informal action taken at the premises secured their abatement. During the first four months
of the year special investigations by the use of grit plates were made, principally during weekends,
into emissions from Southall Locomotive Sheds. Subsequently two additional
Deposit Gauges were installed to cover this area.
In one case a Court Order was obtained in connection with emission of spirit and oil
fumes from clothes cleaning premises. Alterations to the premises were still in progress at
the end of the year.
Number of sites of observation 3 (1 deposit gauge and 2 lead
peroxide gauges) (2 additional
deposit gauges came
into use on 1st November,
1954)
Number of complaints of nuisance from smoke, smell
or grit and number of premises concerned 23 complaints re 12 premises
Number of places kept under observation 17
Number of half-hour observations made 95
Number of times black smoke was detected 5
Total time of black smoke emissions 5 minutes
Number of times moderate smoke observed 53
Total time of moderate smoke emissions 487 ½ minutes
RIVER POLLUTION
Reports continued to be submitted by the officers of the Middlesex County Council
throughout 1954, of the results of sampling at various points on the River Brent. Three of
these points were situated within the Borough of Southall, namely one where the River
crosses the Uxbridge Road, one up-stream of the junction with the Grand Union Canal,
and one down-stream of the junction with the Grand Union Canal.
Twelve reports in all were submitted during the year, and in the majority of these
conditions were found to be satisfactory, but in a few of the reports, especially after very heavy
rainfall, a certain amount of unsatisfactory deposit was obtained from these samples. On
certain occasions by the united efforts of the officers of the Borough Council with those of
the Middlesex County Council, defaulting property owners were traced and arrangements
made whereby pollution should be prevented and as on some occasions oil was found to be
polluting the water from garage yard washings, negotiations with the owners of these premises
were undertaken in order that other arrangements for the deflection of the surface water
into the sewerage system might be made. The two last reports received at the end of the
year were both satisfactory at each of the three Southall sites of sampling.
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