Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
SMOKE CONSUMERS
SMOKE CONSUMERS. On May 1, 1894 a smoke ordinance for Dubuque went into effect. While small industries claimed the problems of air pollution were due to large industries, two major businesses took action. H. B. GLOVER COMPANY and JAMES FORESTER AND COMPANY installed smoke consumers on their smoke stacks. (1)
The "consumer" made by Korlin of Burlington, Iowa introduced additional air into the fire box over the fire. The carbon in the smoke and oxygen met resulting in consumption of the carbon and increased heat. (2)
Fines for causing smoke pollution were set at not less than $5 or more than $50 with imprisonment until the fine was paid. (3)
Positive reports of the consumer were announced on May 17, 1894 with the soot removed and only a white vapor rising out of the chimney. (4)
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Source:
1. "Smoke Consumers," Dubuque Daily Herald, May 6, 1894, p. 5. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940506&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
2. Ibid.
3. "Will Be Guilty Tomorrow," Dubuque Daily Herald, May 10, 1894, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940510&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
4. "Municipal Molecules," Dubuque Daily Herald, May 17, 1894, p. 4