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35
was treated with chlorine gas by a local firm of chlorination
experts that the trouble was finally overcome. The lagoon was
subsequently filled in.
(c) The nuisance in connection with the large gas works
belonging to the Gas Light and Coke Company (also reported
in 1932 and arising from offensive effluvia, smoke, coke grit,
etc.) also gave rise to considerable trouble throughout the year.
These nuisances affected not only the neighbourhood in the
vicinity of the works but also the Royal Botanical Gardens at
Kew.
The Gas Light and Coke Company shewed their willingness
to co-operate in every possible manner.
So far as the effluvium nuisance was concerned, it was
discovered that this arose from the fact that the water taken
from the River Thames for coke quenching purposes became
contaminated at certain states of the tide by the effluent
reaching the river from two sewage disposal works—the effluent
outfalls being quite near to the intake pipes of the Company.
Although this effluent was of course up to the standard required
by the Port of London Authority, the effluvia given off when
mixed with water for coke quenching purposes was very
offensive. The Company subsequently installed a chlorination
plant for use with all water used for this purpose, and the
trouble largely mitigated.
The coke grit nuisance was also largely mitigated but not
abated by the action taken by the Company, and it is still
receiving attention.
The smoke nuisance is dealt with under the subsequent
heading.
5. Smoke Abatement.
The question of smoke abatement has had the serious
attention of the department during the year.
Numerous factories have of recent years been established
in the Borough, and many complaints have been received, but
curiously enough, with one exception, all were in connection