AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29178, 12 April 1960, Page 19

AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS

Value Of Full Information "The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, April 11. “In both Auckland and Christchurch, which have rapidly growing populations and rapid industrial development, we must get as much information as we can about atmospheric pollution before it really gets started. —and then stop it before it does.” This seemingly paradoxical statement, made by the New Zealand chemical inspector of the Health Department, Mr R. T. Douglas, might well sum up his job. Mr Douglas is visiting Auckland for talks with the Auckland chemical inspector, Mr C. F. Denmead, and to have a look at industrial development in the area. Industrial firms had shown a great improvement in the fumes and gases they were discharging into the air since the regulations governing air pollution came into effect early in 1958, Mr Douglas said. Most of the industries in the country were complying with the regulations. Those that were not were showing willingness to solve their own problems by trying to get their discharge down to the required limits. “One thing the public must appreciate,” Mr Douglas said, “is that if you have industry in an area you can’t expect your air to be in its original pure condition. “Such things as acid works must operate with some discharge and the law requires.them to take the best practicable means to keep that discharge down to certain . limits. “That includes financial conaiderations. It may be possible to reduce discharges to practically nothing, but the cost might be ao high it would no longer be > Worth operating the Industry.”