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26
In making its decision, the Council expressed the hope that other
local authorities in the London area would be no less vigorous in
conducting a campaign to reduce atmospheric pollution, and there is
promise that in the next ten years considerable progress will be made
to this end. The survey of Richmond's first Smoke Control Area will
be started in April 1959.
During 1958, nineteen complaints were received concerning smoke
emissions from chimneys. There is growing evidence that oil-fired
furnaces may give trouble by the emission of carbon smuts which
settle in the area adjacent to the chimney. This problem has caused
concern not only to local authorities and factory management, but
also to the manufacturers of oil-firing equipment and to the fuel
suppliers. During the year, one factory chimney in Richmond was
persistently emitting carbon smuts despite the owners' efforts to ensure
that the oil-burners were properly installed and maintained. After a
great deal of investigation and with the co-operation of all parties,
the answer to the problem was found when the chimney stack was
insulated, thus raising the flue gas outlet temperature and preventing
the formation of smuts in the chimney.
The Clean Air Act, 1956 provides that new furnace installations
(exceeding 55,000 B.T.Us. per hour) must be capable of operating
without emitting smoke, and in accordance with Section 3 of the Act,
the Council approved 10 new installations during the year. In 3 other
cases the Council received notification of proposals to install new
furnaces.
In addition, the Council approved plans for the erection of 4 new
industrial chimneys in accordance with Section 10 of the Clean Air
Act, 1956, being satisfied that the height of the chimneys would be
sufficient to prevent nuisance.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949.
The rodent control section of the staff have done much useful work
during the year in eradicating rats and mice from premises and foul
sewers.
A total of 3,820 visits was made to dwellings and business premises
throughout the year.
Complaints of infestation by rats or mice numbered 213 and
inspection and investigation revealed rat infestation at 144 premises