Clean air measures

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 38188, 30 March 1973, Page 10

Clean air measures

To use the best means of air pollution control is the objective of the Clean Air Act which will come into force on Sunday. Sources of pollution will not be eliminated because this is rarely practicable, but if steps have not already been taken to reduce pollution to a reasonable minimum control measures will now have to be introduced. In industry this will mean I that, where possible, cleaner [fuels or processes will have ito be used; filters attached to flues to reduce the amount of grit, dust, smoke and chemicals exhausted into the air; and higher chimney stacks built to reduce the nuisance and danger of pollution where emission levels cannot be further cut. Clean air zones may be set up by local bodies in urban areas where there is a special need, or to reduce pollution from domestic sources. They are designed to be adopted in new development areas or where there is poor natural dispersion of pollutants, especially where domestic fires and incinerators are a problem. In these zones smoke emission from domestic fires and incinerators will be restricted, and the sale and use of

fuels and combustion appliances which are not relatively pollution-free can be prohibited. Zones cannot be established before April 1, 1975, but plans for their establishment may go ahead immediately. DENSITY LIMIT The act sets a limit on the density of smoke that any motor-vehicle may discharge. It also provides powers to control invisible emissions. The act provides for the establishment of a Clean Air Council. The council’s main

duties are to recommend to the Minister of Health ways of preventing and controlling air pollution. It will review the effectiveness of local authorities and central Government in applying the act, and co-ordinate the activities of various organisations involved in research and testing of equipment to control pollution. The council will also accept and consider suggestions and complaints made to it and make an annual report on the state of air pollution in New Zealand. INSPECTORS Smoke inspectors are being trained by the Health Department, and most local authorities should have health inspectors qualified in airpollution control by the time all the provisions of the act come into force in 1975. Traffic officers are also being trained to judge excessive smoke levels coming from motor-vehicle exhausts.