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Show On recent irrigation projects now under con- struction attention has been given to water pollu- tion problems. However, in some of the older irrigation areas of the Columbia Basin (as in south- ern Idaho) epidemics of intestinal diseases are re- ported by the Public Health Service to have occurred frequently in the past. Treatment plants now have eliminated some of these hazards, but others are thought to remain, as indicated by peti- tions for relief by people in the Roosevelt Lake area to public health authorities in Washington and Idaho and the Public Health Service. A very definite need exists in the Columbia River Basin for coordination of pollution abatement pro- grams between the United States and Canada. Lead and zinc mining operations along the Pend Oreille River in British Columbia and near Meta- line Falls, Wash., are being expanded rapidly. Tailings from these mining operations, some of which originate in the United States, flow through Canada and into Roosevelt Lake. The Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, lead-zinc-silver mining area also is a source of pollution. In addition to ore mining wastes, which seriously affect the downstream water uses on a number of streams, dredge mining operations on headwater streams destroy aquatic life and cause turbid con- ditions for many miles downstream. Corrective measures are needed to reduce the damages from these activities. It is also thought that wastes from atomic piles have injured fish life in the Columbia in the past, although the extent is not known. Pollution abatement needs as a whole are great- est on parts of the tributary streams. The main stem of the Columbia, except for a few local con- ditions, like the vicinities of some lower Columbia paper mills, is generally free of sources of harmful concentrations of polluting substances. The Han- ford, Wash., atomic energy plant is a potential source of polluting materials, but no local pollu- tion from this source is known at present. The Public Health Service reports that it would not be difficult to obtain local cooperation in plan- ning a program of pollution abatement. States in the basin are commencing action which eventually should result in satisfactory pollution control. For instance, legislation has been obtained in Oregon by which it is hoped eventually to control pollution in the Willamette River.5 An administrative board 1 See chapter 5. for abatement and prevention of pollution, now active in Oregon, has set target dates for particular works, and is receiving effective public support. The Water Pollution Control Act passed in 1948 authorized the Federal Government to recommend remedial measures to the pollutor and the State water control agency. If the pollution persists, a series of actions may be taken which may cul- minate in entering suit to secure abatement, if the State pollution control agency consents.6 Conclusions Conditions prevailing in the region, and past lack of success in dealing with pollution in many affected areas, suggest strongly the need for Federal initiative in pollution abatement on the Columbia. The existence of problems in some federally man- aged areas, the international and interstate char- acter of the river, and the likely industrial devel- opment of the basin are ample reasons for continued active Federal participation. State enabling legis- lation to this end should be strengthened. A study of expected community growths, industrial expan- sion, and sanitary facility requirements should be part of the irrigation and other water resources development programs. Legal protection or volun- tary preventive action against uncontrolled logging activities on some watersheds is needed. The development of sensitive industrial processes, and sharp increases in the density of settlement place pollution abatement high on the list of water resources problems. It should receive coordinate attention with other problems of river improvement. 5. Water Right Claims and Distribution of Benefits in Interstate Flowage The Problem Consideration to be given to upstream claims for returns from downstream developments using water originating in the upstream State. The Situation Interests in Nevada have suggested sharing in downstream benefits (including power generation) from water originating within Nevada borders, even though there is no potential beneficial use for such •Act of June 30, 1948, 62 Stat. 1155, as amended, 33 U. S. G. 466a. 41 |