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28
NUISANCES.
Complaints of nuisances to the number of 169 have been dealt with during
the half-year.
Prominent amongst these is one which existed in a small tributary of the
River known as Rainham Creek, in the County of Essex.
Briefly summarised, the nuisance was caused by the foul condition of the
water in the creek and of the mud at the margins, especially at the head of
the creek.
Investigation showed this insanitary state of affairs to be brought about
principally :—
(1.) By dung being allowed to fall into the creek from barges when
discharging manure at the quay-side.
(2.) From the wharves where the manure was discharged being
submerged at high water.
(3.) From the pollution of the water by sewage from the village of
Rainham.
(4.) From filthy and offensive matter leaking from barges lying on
the mud at low water.
(5.) From the pumping of filthy water from such barges into the
creek.
(6.) From the possible discharge of offensive liquid from barges
discharging putrid fish at the fish oil works of the London Fish and
Guano Company at the mouth of the creek, or from the factory itself.
The point which chiefly concerns the Port Sanitary Authority is the
discharge of offensive liquid from barges. Accordingly the owners of all
barges conveying offensive cargoes into the creek were informed that they
were not to allow foul liquid to pass into the creek under any pretence.
Your Medical Officer met in conference the Medical Officer of Health for
the Romford Sanitary Authority, with the result that there was co-operative
action on the part of the shore people, and means were taken to prevent
pollution of the water from that direction. By the end of August there was
a great improvement in the condition of the creek, and if the precautions
indicated are adhered to there is little question but that the nuisance is not
likely to recur, but the locality will receive careful attention before the advent
of the hot weather.