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Show Restriction of development in areas subject to future inundation by reservoirs would serve to avoid an increase in cost of flowage damages. Generally, however, long periods of time elapse be- tween the conception of a project and its authori- zation. In the interim the project sponsor is with- out legal authority to impose any restrictions on construction in the reservoir area. A possible solu- tion would be through zoning by State legislative or other local action, to be required as a general condition of local cooperation in Federal reservoir improvements. A very real problem in the basin is posed by en- croachments on stream channels and floodways. Some industrial highway and railroad develop- ments have crowded the stream channels in an effort to utilize fully the limited available space. This has resulted not only in hazards to the indus- tries themselves due to location but in some in- stances in an increase in flood heights through con- striction of the stream channels. Certain Federal improvements for local flood protection require as an item of local cooperation that encroachments on the improved waterways be prevented. This principle might be extended by local zoning or State legislation to require removal of encroach- ments in certain critical areas and to prevent fu- ture encroachments. Here, also, the successful application of such local action would depend on public acceptance of both the principle and the costs involved. Conclusions Flood plain zoning should be considered as a means of requiring relocation of existing improve- ments to above flood limits. Where economically desirable and publicly acceptable, it also should be considered as a means of preventing further devel- opment in areas subject to future inundation by reservoir construction. Application of zoning to prevent encroachments on stream channels and floodways should be given more attention with a view to its legal implementation and use as a desir- able tool for flood damage reduction. Where new developments in the flood plain would be subject to damage from floods, and flood control for the locality is not contemplated, occu- pancy of the flood plain should be discouraged by educational programs using local cooperation, or prohibited by zoning laws. 3. Conflicts Between and Associated With Domes- tic and Industrial Water Supplies, Including Problems Arising from Water Pollution The Problem The extent of competition for water supplies among domestic, industrial, and associated uses in the Connecticut Basin. The Situation In eastern United States problems of competi- tion for water supplies may arise in the following situations: (1) where pollution by industry pro- duces quantities undesirable for use by other in- dustries; (2) where pollution by industry creates a health hazard for public water supply; (3) where reservation of watersheds for public supply exclu- sively prevents recreational use; and (4) where generally excessive demand has arisen in relation to the supply. Problems of competition have not been as severe in some respects in the Connecticut area as elsewhere, because of a division of sources among the several types of uses. Public supplies have been taken from the upper reaches of tributaries, while industry has drawn more from the main stream, lower reaches of tributaries, and ground water. Industrial problems created by industrial pol- lution.-The waters of the Connecticut have been extensively used for industrial purposes, particu- larly in downstream locations. Certain industries- notably paper and textile-are heavy users of water and are affected by both its quantity and quality. In both of these respects river water declines dur- ing periods of low stream flow. Many water users have constructed small upstream storage reservoirs to obtain more dependable supplies. All industrial users stand to benefit from the improvements in low flow conditions attendant upon multiple-use development. In addition to river water, some industries depend importantly on ground water, which has a more constant temperature and better and more consistent quality than river water. Although there are few of these in the basin, it is reported that the uncertainty of ground water supplies has been a discouraging factor to location of new in- dustry, at least in Connecticut. Pollution in the main river has likewise been reported by the United States Public Health Service to have been a deterrent to new industries, and a nuisance to established industrial plants. 497 |
