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The Clean Air Act, 1968 was enacted on the 25 th October, 1968 and an Order
made on December 2nd will bring into force certain sections dealing with grit, dust,
the height of chimneys and the acquisition and sale of unauthorised fuel in Smoke
Control Areas.
The Clean Air Act (Measurement of Grit & Dust) Regulations, 1968, prescribing
the methods of making and recording measurements of grit and dust from large furnaces
burning solid fuel came into force on 1st May, 1968.
This legislation will, taken as a whole, remove a number of anomalies such as the
lack of control over heights of chimneys serving large boilers in offices and shops,
whereas smaller boilers in factories have their chimney heights approved by the Council.
It is also to be hoped that regulations will be made under the new Act which will enable
the Council to exercise some control over emissions of grit and dust from certain
furnaces which, whilst at present are within the law, have nevertheless given rise to
various complaints during the year.
In the latter half of the year, an old large industrial "Galloway" boiler fired by a
worn-out sprinkler stoker burning bituminous coal was taken out of commission. It had
been found earlier to be producing excessive smoke and grit. Fortunately the grit fell
mainly on the ground and buildings occupied by the boiler operator, although the
smoke itself could be seen from quite a distance.
Coal fired underfeed stokers to seven central heating plants in Council owned
buildings, having in the past failed to comply satisfactorily with the provisions of the
Act, were converted to oil firing. I understand the boilers are now, as an additional
benefit, proving cheaper to run and maintain.
Proceedings were taken under Section 16 of the Clean Air Act, 1956 against a
haulage and storage contractor who was burning waste paper, cardboard and plastic
sheeting at the rear of his premises and close to a row of dwellings.
Despite repeated requests and warnings the bonfires occurred almost daily and
caused great annoyance to neighbouring residents. One Summons was issued, the
defendent pleaded guilty and was fined £20 with £10 10s. 0d. costs. The Court also
made an Order forbidding further bonfires.
There are within the Borough five stations where daily measurements of smoke
density and sulphur dioxide are taken. One of these stations is operated by the
Ministry of Technology at the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington and the other
four by the Health Department.