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77
Action under the Public Health (London) Act during 1957 was as follows: -
EFFLUVIA. SECTIONS 137 (Nuisance arising from offensive trade) and
147 (2)(c) (penalties for failing to use the best practicable means for preventing
or counteracting any noxious or offensive effluvia or annoyance arising
from any trade or business).
Complaints received 18
Investigations made 183
Nuisances found 5
Informal notices served 5
Formal notices served -
A petition, signed hy the residents of Springfield Gardens, was received
complaining of "putrid smells and fumes which affect the eyes and throat and
also of fine fur and dust which blows and covers everywhere and is a constant
nuisance". This complaint related to premises at which the business of a
dresser of fur skins was carried on. Following a thorough investigation the
findings were reported to the Public Health Committee and the Solicitors acting
for the firm subsequently gave an assurance that the process would be discontinued
until such time as the fumes and dust could be effectively controlled.
Up to the time of the preparation of this Report there had been no further
cause for complaint.
SMOKE. SECTION 148 (Smoke Nuisances)
Complaints received 48
Observations made 1,888
Nuisances found 21
Informal notices served 13
Formal notices served 3
Sawmilling, Furniture and Woodwork Industry. During the year dense smoke
emissions arising from the incineration of wood waste were a particular source
of nuisance. Wood waste is a valuable fuel, but of variable composition and
ideally requires specially built furnaces- Following representations from this
Department, one local firm embarked on the reconstruction of their boilerhouse,
new kilns were built complete with automatic feed, induced draught, spark
arrestor and new chimney stack, and the construction was supervised by a Fuel
Technologist following consultations with the National Industrial Fuel
Efficiency Service-. It must, however, be stressed that the control of smoke
emission from a plant so equipped.1argely depends upon skilled attention by
properly trained operators. Other firms, particularly in this industry, have
decided to install photo-electric cell or other smoke alarm equipment.
Nu isance from Grit and Dust. The progress made by a local foundry in
overcoming a nuisance which has in the past been the source of many complaints
is worth noting. The foundry is unfortunately sited, in that its furnaces and
chimneys are only a few yards from the adjacent houses, and little space is
available for effecting any major reconstruction, A dust and fume collecting
plant has, however, been purchased and fitted, This consists of bag filters
which screen out the dust from the flue gases prior to discharge into the
chimney. The cooling of the metal casts gives rise to volumes of steam which
are collected and condensed. With the plant in operation the working conditions
in the foundry are greatly improved, and the low level air pollution
which the neighbourhood suffered much reduced.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RECORDING