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Show doned coal mines was initiated, the exact processes of acid formation were not understood; had adequate re- search preceded the program, the effort expended would have been used to better advantage. Economical Construction Rate When a project is authorized and construction started, it should be prosecuted at the most economical rate unless conditions justify a more accelerated or a slower rate. The appropriation for a unit of the project should be suf- ficient to provide for its completion, or contract authori- zation should be given for the total funds. Backlog of Projects A blacklog of economically meritorious, integrated, and properly designed projects should be ready for construction as emergencies arise. Many projects were initiated as a part of make-work programs in the 1930's, prior to the completion of adequate surveys, plans and without suf- ficient basic data. Their construction required costs above those that would have been required had adequate plans been available. Funds expended under the Case-Wheeler Act were not used to the greatest efficiency because many projects were not based on adequate data, nor was oppor- tunity offered for proper design. The need for a sound planning program, apart from any immediate construction program, is thus evident. Replacement of Dispossessed Persons A definite and uniform national policy should be estab- lished for the rehabilitation of people dispossessed of homes and property in connection with project construc- tion. The costs involved should be a part of the project cost. At present, provision is made for purchase of the land and physical structures, but insufficient attention is given to tenants or business interests in the area, whose livelihood is greatly affected. Many reservoirs create situations in which families and business interests are required to move. Even if a landholder does receive money for his land, the number of people seeking new opportunity raises the demand for farms elsewhere, so that the dispossessed are often unable to purchase com- parable farms. To cushion the effects of property pur- chase, the constructing agency should have authority and funds with which to begin land purchases within a reser- voir area just as soon as the project is authorized, and enlist the services of other agencies to assist in the replace- ment of those to be moved. Fish and Wildlife Any project affecting the flow of water has an effect on aquatic life and wildlife. In any project these effects should be determined prior to construction so that proper plans may be developed for their maximum benefit, use and control. In the Columbia Basin provision has been made in the Bonneville Dam, at the cost of some $8 mil- lion for the passage of anadromous fish, and all agencies have furthered a program to provide spawning grounds and improve tlie habitat for the fish in the lower Columbia River tributaxies. The Federal Power Commission in issuing licenses for power plants often requires a minimum flow in the streams affected by the development for the preservation of fish life. It would seem desirable to provide a minimum flow in critical reaches of streams to maintain fish life, through obtaining water rights for such a flow in the name of the State, prior to any further filings for rights. Public Health Any project affecting the flow of waters may have an effect on the public health, for example, through influenc- ing mosquito production, waste disposal or public water supply. In the planning of reservoir storage projects for flood control, irrigation, water power, and navigation, consideration should also be given to the effects of the operation of such reservoirs on the flow in the stream both above and below the dam as regard to the stream's present and future role in waste disposal, pollution abate- ment, industrial water supply, and domestic water supply. In any project, such effects should be estimated before- hand, that proper plans may be developed for their maxi- mum utilization of any benefits, and the minimizing or elimination of any damages. A review of many projects emphasized the necessity of taking measures to develop properly and operate reservoir projects, not only to abate pollution but also to minimize the mosquito problem, such as drainage of all depressions within the drawdown, fluctuating the reservoir level and removing material that can harbor mosquitoes. Salt and Acid Pollution The elimination of salt-water and acid pollution from oil-well and mine operations is a matter of national con- cern. Acid mine waste contributes annually some 2,500,- 000 tons of sulfuric acid to the flow of the upper tributaries of the Ohio, causing rapid destruction of steel structures in the river, in addition to its effect on the quality of the water. In Kansas and adjoining States salt water from oil wells has so affected domestic water sup- plies, both surface and underground, that the sources have had to be abandoned. The continued pollution of water resources by salt water and mine waste should be abated at the expense of the mine or oil operator. Similar pollution from abandoned oil wells or mines should be abated at the expense of the owners if they can be identi- fied, or at public expense. When oil wells no longer capable of economical production are to be abandoned, the operator should be required to plug the well, under competent supervision by representatives of the petro- leum industry and the responsible governmental (usually State) agency. "Dry holes" and holes drilled in con- nection with exploration for oil should receive the same careful treatment as regards plugging. Recreation Public recreation is one of the most popular individual benefits resulting from many reservoir projects and should be fostered. Recreation facilities should be provided in every water-development project where such facilities are feasible. Such facilities, wherever possible, should be supplemented by comparable related land recreational facilities. In flood-control reservoirs the establishment of such facilities is permitted by enabling legislation. The reclamation law makes no such provision. Legis- lative consideration should be given to this inequity. 418 |
