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(b) The Chief Public Health Inspector shall thus be responsible for ensuring that effective
measures are taken to combat pollution in whatever form it may manifest itself in the
Borough whether ground, water, air, fire, smell, aural, visual, health etc., and shall take
steps to ensure that the necessary research is undertaken not only to identify instances of
pollution occurring in the Borough and the causes thereof but also to establish the means
of dealing with the pollution and its causes together with further examination of additional
powers or the means whereby more effective action can be taken to eliminate existing
pollution and prevent further pollution occurring in any form.
This action committee met three times during 1972 and is in the process of preparing a report
on the present pollution problems in the Borough.
(2) The support of a research programme on the environmental quality in Hillingdon to be carried
out by Brunei University. This is to be directed by Professor Bond, Dr. Lacey, Mr. Thorburn and
Mr. Jones of the University and the work of research will be undertaken by five graduates
working for higher degrees, two of whom are already employed as public health inspectors
by the Borough Council.
The research will be in four parts:
A. AIR POLLUTION—A survey of the major atmospheric pollutants in the Borough with
special reference to "kerosene" odours associated with London Airport.
B. WATER—A survey of the waters in the Borough and in the Colne Valley Park.
C. LAND—A historical survey of the gravel and sand workings in the Borough and the
reclamation of the areas by filling with refuse. The fate of refuse in the tips from biological,
chemical and physical activity.
D. ECONOMIC ASPECTS—An investigation into the economic aspects of pollution in the
Borough.
AIR
The Clean Air Acts 1956 to 1968 authorise local authorities to undertake publicity and research
concerning atmospheric pollution. This legislation also enables pollution of the atmosphere from
a number of specific sources to be controlled i.e.
(1) Smoke from domestic chimneys by making smoke control orders.
(2) Dark smoke from industrial chimneys.
(3) Dark smoke from industrial bonfires.
(4) Smoke other than from the previous three sources which is a nuisance.
(5) Emission of dust and grit from industrial chimneys.
Local authorities also have general powers under other public health legislation to control
emission of dust and offensive effluvia from industrial processes.
Some information as to the endeavours made to improve the atmosphere in this Borough are
set out under the various headings.
Research into Atmospheric Pollution
In addition to the monitoring of atmospheric pollution carried out by staff of the health department,
in September arrangements were made between the authority and Brunei University for a
research programme into atmospheric pollution with particular reference to kerosene pollution from
aircraft. The research programme is expected to extend over 3 years.
SMOKE CONTROL PROGRAMME
The smoke control programme made good progress in 1972. Five smoke control orders were
originally made to become operative in 1972 but it was necessary to postpone the date of operation
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