Alkali, &c. Works Regulation Act 1906

PART I Alkali Works and Alkali Waste

1 Condensation of muriatic acid gas in alkali works

(1) Every alkali work shall be carried on in such manner as to secure the condensation, to the satisfaction of the chief inspector, of the muriatic acid gas evolved in such work, to the extent of ninety-five per centum, and to such an extent that in each cubic foot of air, smoke, or chimney gases, escaping from the works into the atmosphere, there is not contained more than one-fifth part of a grain of muriatic acid.

(2) The owner of any alkali work which is carried on in contravention of this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding in the case of the first offence fifty pounds, and in the case of every subsequent offence one hundred pounds.

2 Prevention of discharge of noxious and offensive gas in alkali works

(1) In addition to the condensation of muriatic acid gas as aforesaid, the owner of every alkali work shall use the best practicable means for preventing the escape of noxious or offensive gases by the exit flue of any apparatus used in any process carried on in the work, and for preventing the discharge, whether directly or indirectly, of such gases into the atmosphere, and for rendering such gases where discharged harmless and inoffensive, subject to the qualification that, on the basis of the amount of acid gas per cubic foot, no objection shall be taken under this section by an inspector to any muriatic acid gas in the air, smoke, or gases discharged into the atmosphere by a chimney or other final outlet where the amount of such acid gas in each cubic foot of air, smoke, or gases so discharged does not exceed the amount limited by the last preceding section.

(2) If the owner of any alkali work fails, in the opinion of the court having cognisance of the matter, to use such means, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding in the case of the first offence twenty pounds, and in the case of every subsequent offence fifty pounds with a further sum not exceeding five pounds for every day during which any such subsequent offence has continued.

3 Separation of acids and other substances from alkali waste and drainage therefrom

(1) Every work of whatever description in which any liquid containing either acid or any other substance capable of liberating sulphuretted hydrogen from alkali waste or drainage therefrom is produced or used shall be carried on in such manner that the liquid shall not come in contact with alkali waste, or with drainage therefrom, so as to cause a nuisance.

(2) The owner of any work which is carried on in contravention of this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding in the case of the first offence fifty pounds, and in the case of every subsequent offence one hundred pounds, with a further sum not exceeding five pounds for every day during which any such subsequent offence has continued.

(3) On the request of the owner of any such work as is mentioned in this section the sanitary authority of the district in which such work is situate shall, at the expense of such owner, provide and maintain a drain or channel for carrying off such liquid as aforesaid produced in such work into the sea or into any river or watercourse into which the liquid can be carried without contravention of the [39 & 40 Vict. c. 75.] Rivers Pollution Prevention Act, 1876, as amended by any subsequent enactment; and the sanitary authority shall for the purpose of providing any such drain or channel have the like powers as they have for providing sewers, whether within or without their district, under the Public Health Act.

(4) Compensation shall be made to any person for any damage sustained by him by reason of the exercise by a sanitary authority of the powers conferred by this section, and such compensation shall be deemed part of the expenses to be paid by the owner making the request to the sanitary authority under this section.

4 Deposit or discharge of alkali waste

(1) Alkali waste shall not be deposited or discharged without the best practicable means being used for effectually preventing any nuisance arising therefrom.

(2) Any person who causes or knowingly permits any alkali waste to be deposited or discharged in contravention of this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding in the case of the first offence twenty pounds, and in the case of every subsequent offence fifty pounds, with a further sum not exceeding five pounds for every day during which any such subsequent offence has continued.

5 Prevention of nuisance from alkali waste already deposited or discharged

Where alkali waste has been deposited or discharged, either before or after the commencement of this Act, and complaint is made to the chief inspector that a nuisance is occasioned thereby, the chief inspector, if satisfied of the existence of the nuisance, and that it is within the power of the owner or occupier of the land to abate it, shall serve a notice on such owner or occupier requiring him to abate the nuisance ; and, if such owner or occupier fails to use the best practicable and reasonably available means for the abatement thereof, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, and, if he does not proceed to use such means within such time as may be limited by the court inflicting such fine, he shall be liable to a further penalty not exceeding five pounds for every day after the expiration of the time so limited during which such failure continues.