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CLEAN AIR ACTS, 1956 and 1968
THE DARK SMOKE (PERMITTED PERIODS) (VESSELS) REGULATIONS, 1958
The policy of the Authority in relation to either dark or black smoke, in taking remedial
steps to abate emissions immediately they are observed has continued throughout the year. Black
smoke contraventions of the Regulations in the case of two Greek registered vessels and one
British registered vessel occurred during the year. There were dark smoke contraventions of the
Regulations in respect of two British vessels. Notices were served accordingly. The reasons
for these contraventions were fully investigated and in view of the explanations received, no
legal action was taken. However, warning letters were sent to each owner. In the case of the
two Greek vessels, the Greek Consul was informed of the contraventions.
One application relating to the chimney height of a new mill complex being established in
Tilbury Dock was dealt with during the year.
THE TRANSPORT OF REFUSE BY LIGHTERS
Routine visits to the refuse loading wharves and the regular inspection of the lighters employed
in this trade, were continued throughout the year.
One refuse loading wharf closed down in the early part of the year. This leaves a total of
8 riverside loading wharves and 2 enclosed loading docks still in operation, at the end of the
year.
The first part of the modernisation which commenced at one of the loading wharves last
year has been completed. Work on the final stage is still in progress. When fully operational
this wharf, together with the riverside refuse depot due to be constructed by the Greater London
Council at Battersea should greatly facilitate the loading of refuse lighters.
There has been an improvement in the loading of refuse at the other wharves with a slight
reduction in the amount of refuse spilt into the river. This has mainly been due to modernisation
already carried out by the Greater London Council and to the closure of the obsolete loading
wharves.
During the year proceedings were instituted on three occasions against one of the refuse
lighter companies, for contraventions of the Authority's Refuse Byelaws.
HOUSEBOATS
The decline in the houseboat population referred to in 1968 continued during the year.
The continued extension of Benfleet Urban District Council's refuse tip into the moorings
at Benfleet Creek (West), made it impossible for the most boats to survive; although vacated, they
could not be moved and eventually were demolished and buried under the refuse.
By the end of the year there was no evidence that any boat on this mooring could still be
occupied, unless of course the owners could find it possible to move them to a more favourable
position. None of these boats, however, have consent to moor and it is most unlikely that the
only two boats that might be worth moving will survive much longer.
At the end of 1969 in the Benfleet and Canvey Island area, there were only 6 Houseboats
used for human habitation, 2 in permanent occupation, 2 used as week-end boats, 1 used as a
club house by a local yacht club and 1 unauthorised mooring of a boat in Benfleet Creek, Ferry
Road which appears to be used as a workshop.
Upper River Areas.
There are 142 houseboats moored in the Upper Reaches of the River between London Bridge
and Teddington. This is an increase of 11 over 1968.
DANGEROUS DRUGS
During the year seven certificates authorising the purchase of scheduled Dangerous Drugs
were issued under the Dangerous Drugs (No. 2) Regulations, 1964, Regulation 13 (2) of which is
as follows: —
(a) The master of a foreign ship which is in a port in Great Britain shall be authorised to
procure such quantity of drugs and preparations as may be certified by the medical officer of
health of the port health authority within whose jurisdiction the ship is or, in his absence by
the assistant medical officer of health, to be necessary for the equipment of the ship until it
reaches its home port.
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