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been developed which is now under test for loading within a water curtain—in the experiments
I have seen the results have been good. The one disadvantage of this method is the increased
loading time.
Additional loading enclosures are being made around the stock pile area, and when all
loading is taking place in these enclosures the deposit gauges will be re-introduced to check on
the effectiveness of the service.
123 visits were made in connection with alleged dust nuisance during 1970. Modifications
were made to a cement storage silo to prevent excessive dust emissions during loading and other
cases were resolved by adjustment or repair to dust extraction plant.
OFFENSIVE EFFLUVIA
214 complaints were investigated concerning this type of nuisance and details of some of
the investigations are outlined below:
(1) Fumes from Factory Manufacturing Pitch Fibre Pipes
Complaints have been received for several years from residents in the vicinity of this factory.
This has been a difficult problem to resolve because of the three facets of this case: (i) The working
conditions within the factory involving the Factory Inspector, (ii) The discharge of toxic material,
the responsibility of the Alkalis Inspector, (iii) Offensive effluvia—the responsibility of the Public
Health Inspector.
As a result of work carried out by the management after discussion between all the parties
working conditions have been improved, emission has been reduced and the nuisance to residents
reduced. Conditions are much improved and although too early to make a final assessment of the
situation no complaint has been received since August 1970.
(2) Odours from a Fat Rendering Factory
There were a number of complaints of an offensive odour which was eventually traced to
a long established fat rendering premises. By co-operation, the owner has agreed to alter the
fume extraction system in the works and to provide a scrubbing unit for the fumes. This work
is in hand.
(3) Odours from a Coffee Manufacturing Process
Complaints have been received for several years and the factory management have endeavoured
to effect abatement although this has never been wholly successful. Following discussions over
the last two years the company have now agreed to instal a completely new system for dealing
with these odours which should eliminate effectively any cause for complaint. Work should be
completed in late 1971.
(4) Fumes from Aircraft
Despite comments by aeronautical experts that it is impracticable for the modern aircraft
engine to emit paraffin or kerosene fumes, residents in the vicinity of the airport have complained
of kerosene fumes in their houses and of oil deposits on laundry which has been hung out to dry.
The Ministry of Technology, Warren Springs Laboratory is carrying out investigations into air
pollution by aircraft and hopes to extend this work to cover possible kerosene emissions during
investigations to start early in 1971.
(5) Coin Operated Dry Cleaners
The plans of new dry cleaning premises are examined to ensure that the discharge ducts
from the dry cleaning equipment are at a safe level. A multi-gas detector is used for perchloroethylene
fumes and it was necessary to ask one Company to close down a dry cleaning plant
which had a serious leak until the plant had been repaired. The company replaced the equipment.
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