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Show There are material deficiencies in other types of data, many of which are essential to the complete integration of programs. An important and neg- lected field is the sanitary quality of water, both surface and underground. Little attention is being directed to sanitary conditions of rural areas. Data on ground water are also badly needed. Geologic mapping is lagging. Geologic and soil mapping should be synchronized and unified so as to enhance the value of each. Information on both subjects is needed if the watershed manage- ment program is to be effective. Biological research needs strengthening. Par- ticular emphasis is needed on the fish, forest, and wildlife resources. Research is also needed on watershed management practices. 8. Planning for Pollution Abatement and Water Supplies The Problem Needs for improvement of domestic and indus- trial water supplies and pollution abatement in the basin. The Situation Less than 20 percent of the municipal pollution load discharged to the streams receives effective treatment, and less than 10 percent of the initial municipal waste load is removed prior to discharge to the streams. Similarly, only a very small part of the industrial organic waste load receives adequate treatment. Only 32 of the 201 municipal sources of pollution have satisfactory treatment. Eighty-five percent of the population served by sewerage systems require new plants or replacement of existing plants. New treatment plants are required at 102 municipalities; 17 require additions or enlargements of existing treatment facilities; 16 existing treatment plants should be replaced. The requirements at 34 small communities have not been determined. At least 55 percent of the industrial sources of pollution require entirely new treatment facilities, while only 15 percent have adequate treatment. Corrective measures have been initiated for about 25 percent of the municipal sources of pollution and 33 percent of the industrial sources. These meas- ures include abatement orders, plants for treat- ment, both in operation and under construction. While usable domestic water supplies are provided in cities and towns of the basin, and regulation of the river by the system of basic control structures has reduced the hazards of contaminated supply on the main streams during low flow periods, further pollution abatement can improve quality of water supply. The condition of rural water supplies also deserves attention. It is likely that a very high percentage of farm water supplies are bacterially contami- nated. In a region where limestone is a common country rock, and in a climate which favors the spread of harmful bacteria during long seasons, contamination of well supplies can occur easily. No data were found on the condition of rural water supplies, but information on past occurrences of water-borne diseases in rural areas suggests that study is warranted. One pollution problem for which no solution has yet been found is that associated with the acid drainage from active and abandoned coal mines. These acid wastes which also carry iron and hard- ness constituents such as ferrous sulfate and alumi- num sulfate, affect a considerable number of streams. Of even greater consequence is the future pollution load to be expected from the coal reserves not yet touched. Unless acid drainage control measures are devised, mining of this coal can mean great quantities of additional acid in streams already polluted as well as contamination of clean streams. State legal responsibilities.-Of the seven valley States, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Vir- ginia have established boards or commissions hav- ing water pollution abatement, prevention, and control powers and duties.28 In all seven States, health departments have water pollution control functions and in Mississippi this authority is di- vided between the Board of Health and the Game and Fish Commission.29 In Georgia water pollu- tion control authority is incidental to the board of health's general supervision of all matters relating to the "life and health of the people." 30 Alabama and Kentucky have given their pollu- tion control authorities the duty of developing a comprehensive water pollution control program. In Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi (Game and Fish Commission), North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, the water pollution control authorities have power to establish water quality standards and M Alabama, ch. 3A, title 22, Code of Ala.; Kentucky, Acts of 1950, ch. 69; Tennessee, ch. 128, Public Acts of 1945, Williams Code, §§ 5749.1 et seq.; Virginia, Code of 1942; 1948 Anno. Sup., ch. 63B. "Mississippi, § 7024 et seq., Code of 1942; § 5929-01 to 2929-17, Code of 1942 (1948 Supp.) "Georgia, Code Anno., 88-112. 781 |