CONFERENCE
in the matter of
Pollution of the Interstate Waters of the
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER
VOLUME I
St. Paul, Minnesota
February 8, 1964
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Washington, D.C.
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OOOR64003
CONFERENCE
in the matter of
Pollution of the Interstate Waters of the
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER
VOLUME I
St. Paul, Minnesota
February 8, 1964
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region V, Library
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
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CONTENTS
PACE:
OPENING STATEMENT
BY MR. STEIN
STATEMENT OF^
GOVERNOR JOHN W. REYNOLDS 15
GOVERNOR KARL P. ROLVAAG 20
HON. LESTER JOHNSON 27
H. W. POSTON 32
J. M. RADEMACHEE 35
H. C. JORDAHL, -JR. 186
HARRY WILSON 233
LT. COLONEL L. B. HARDING 251
ROBERT H. PADDOCK 27'5
J. J . ABRAMSON 2^9
LT. COMMANDER JOHN C. PARKER 295
HERBERT A. PLUECK 331
AFTERNOON SESSION : 231
RECESS
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2
Conference in the Matter of Pollution of the
Waters of the Upper Mississippi River and ita Significant
Tributaries, Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area
(Minnesota-Wisconsin) on Friday, February 7, 1964, at 9:30
a.m., In the State Capitol Office Building, St. Paul,
Minnesota.
PRESIDING:
Mr. Murray Stein, Chief, Enforcement
Branch, Water Supply and Pollution Control, j
Public Health Service, Department of Health, i
Education, and Welfare, Washington 25, D. C. i
CONFEREES;
Dr. M. M. Hargravea, Chairman, Water
Pollution Control Commission, State of Minnesota
lyle H. Smith, Executive Engineer, Water
Pollution Control Commission, State of Minnesota
Chester S. Wilson, Special Assistant
Attorney General, Counsel for the Water Pollution
Control Commission, State of Minnesota
0. J. Muegge, Chairman, Committee on Water
Pollution and State Sanitary Engineer, State of
Wisconsin
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2-A
CONFEREES (Continued):
Theodore Wisniewskl, Director, State Coralt-
tee on Water Pollution, State of Wisconsin
James H. McDermott, Assistant Attorney
General and Counsel, State Committee on Water
Pollution, State of Wisconsin
H. W. Poston, Regional Program Director,
Region V, Division of Water Supply and Pollution
Control, Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, Chicago, Illinois
PARTICIPANTS;
Hon. John W. Reynolds, Governor of the
State of Wisconsin
Hon. Karl F. Rolvaag, Governor of the
State of Minnesota
Hon. Lester Johnson, Member of Congress
from the State of Wisconsin
J. M. Rademacher, Senior Sanitary Engineer,
Region v, Division of Water Supply and Pollution
Control, Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, Chicago, Illinois
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2-B
PARTICIPANTS (Contlnu
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2-C
PARTICIPANTS (Continued)i
Martin Hanson, President, Wisconsin Council
of Resource Development and Conservation
William Ruth, President, Wisconsin Pederatiofr
of Conservation Cluba
S. c. Sorensen, Commercial Fisherman, Bay
City, Wisconsin
Lloyd V. Sprlggle, Bay City, Wisconsin,
Member of the Upper Mississippi Pollution Control
Committee
Keuneth W. Westerberg, Secretary, Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District, Savage,
Minnesota
A. W. Buzicky, Director, Metropolitan
Mosquito Control District, St. Paul, Minnesota
John F. Tlachler, Chairman, Minnesota
Water Pollution Control Advisory Committee
Donald J. Thlmsen, Minnesota Department of
Health, oection on Water Pollution
Tom Tautges, Vice-chairman, Board of
Trustees of the North Suburban Sanitary Sewer
District
Eugene V. Avery, Chief Engineer, Department
of Public Works, City of St. Paul, Minnesota
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2-D
PARTICIPANTS (Continued)11
Clifford W. Ha»blin, Central Manager, St.
Paul Water Department, St. Paul, Minnesota
Kerwln L. Mick, Chief Engineer and Super-
intendent, Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District
John P. Badallch, City Engineer, City of
South St. Paul, Minnesota
Demetrius Q. Jelatia, Mayor of Red Wing,
Minnesota
Clarence A. Johannes, Public Health Engineer
Minnesota Department of Health
J. L. Porterfield, American Crystal Sugar
Company, Denver, Colorado
Dean K. Johnson, Executive Secretary, Upper
Mississippi Waterway Association
Warren Bjorklund,, Vice President, Clear
Air Clear Water Unlimited, Newport, Minnesota
Arlin Albrecht, Upper Mississippi Pollution
Control Committee, Red Wing, Minnesota
George Serbesku, Spring Lake, Minnesota
Mrs. Edith Peller, Excelsior, Minnesota
Harold P. Clark, Bacteriologist in Charge,
Water Quality Studies, Division of Water Supply
and Pollution Control, Robert A. Taft Sanitary
Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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2-E
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE;
R. J. Austin, Process Coordinator, American
Oil Company, Whiting, Indiana
Mrs. L. P. Johnson, Water Pollution Advisory
Committee, Willmar, Minnesota
Charles Whiting, Metropolitan Planning
Commission, Editorial Assistant, University and
Fairview, St. Paul, Minnesota
Reynold Boezl, Planner II - Social Studies,
Metropolitan Planning Commission, St. Paul,
Minnesota
Amir H. Sharifi, Planner, Twin Cities
Metropolitan Planning Commission, St. Paul,
Minnesota
Mrs. William J. Graham, Metropolitan
Planning Commission, Bloomington 20, Minnesota
Kenneth A. Carlson, Minnesota Power and
Light Company, Duluth, Minnesota
Keith D. Larson, Chemist, Sewage Treatment
Plant, South St. Paul, Minnesota
John E. Morris, Natural Resources Committee,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
E. P. Nordeen, Upper Mississippi Anti-
Pollution Committee, Red Wing, Minnesota
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2-F
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued):
Robert C. Tuveson, Minnesota Water Pollution
Control Commission, Albert Lee, Minnesota
James J. Dolgllsfc, Chairman, Twin Cities
Metropolitan Planning Commission, St. Paul,
Minnesota
Lloyd J. Moosbrugger, Special Assistant
Attorney Genera\ Minnesota Water Pollution Control
Commission, University of Minnesota Campus,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Duane A. Wilson, Commissioner of Agriculture
Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commission,
St. Paul, Minnesota
Luella Reid, Water Pollution Control
Commission, Secretary, State Board of Health,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dr. J. G. Flint, Water Pollution Control
Commission, St. Paul, Minnesota
Gordon Slovvt, Reporter, Minneapolis Star,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Robert J. R. Johnson, Reporter, St. Paul
Dispatch, St. Paul, Minnesota
Robert Ylvisaker, Reporter, Minneapolis
Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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2-0
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Contimwd )i
Betty Wilson, Press, Rosenount, Minnesota
Robert Brown, Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota
Conservation Department, St. Paul, Minnesota
Sidney A. Frellsen, Director, Minnesota
Conservation Department, Division of Waters,
St. Paul, Minnesota
Walter Sennitzler, St. Croix County Alliance
of Conservation Clubs, Emerald, Wisconsin
R. J. Owens, Chief Engineer, Department of
Conservation, St. Paul, Minnesota
Robert C. Nord, Coordinator, Upper Mississipi
River Conservation Commission, La Crosse,
John B. Moyle, Superintendent, Section on
Research and Planning, Minnesota Conservation
Department, St. Paul, Minnesota
Edwin W. Qoplen, State Soil Conservation
Committee, Zurabrota, Minnesota
Elinor B. Bowes, Field Trip Chairman, St.
Paul Audubon Society, St. Paul, Minnesota
Paul L. Hooper, Assistant Superintendent,
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bernard R. Jones, Superintendent of
Biological Services, Division of Game and Pish,
St. Paul, Minnesota
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2-H
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
John A. Brown, Citizens Advisory Committee
on Outdoor Recreation, St. Paul, Minnesota
Ron Stone, Outboard Boating Club of America,
Government Relations Department, Chicago, Illinois
Mrs. W. H. Ruth, Wisconsin Federal Conserva-
tion Club, Eagle River, Wisconsin
Olin L. Kaupanger, Secretary, Minnesota
Emergency Conservation Commission, Minneapolis 2,
Minnesota
John Skrypek, Aquatic Biologist, Minnesota
Conservation Department, Lake City, Minnesota
Stanley A. Daley, Aquatic Biologist,
Minnesota Conservation Department, St. Paul,
Minnesota
Robert 0. Wissink, Manager, Radiological
Physics Department, Rural Cooperative Power
Association, Elk River, Minnesota
A. R. Renquist, Attorney, Northern States
Power Company, Minneapolis 2, Minnesota
K. B. Knox, Plant Manager, St. Paul Ammonia
Products, Inc., South 3t. Paul, Minnesota
He D. Goodwin, Assistant Vice President,
Chicago Great Western Railway Company, Kansas
City, Missouri
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued )i
W. E. Jones, General Manager, Northwest
Cooperative Mills, St. Paul, Minnesota
i
Robert G, Arend, Assistant to Vice President^
i
Northwestern Refining Company, St. Paul Park, j
I
Minnesota
Jack C. Swan, Refinery Manager, Northwestern
Refining Company, St. Paul Park, Minnesota
F. K. Bieri, Assistant Factory Manager,
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, Red Wing, Minnesota
Fred Reinfeld, Supervisor, Grey Cloud
Island, St. Paul Park, Minnesota
George R. Watson, Vice President, Western
Oil and Fuel Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Paul Strain, International Refineries, Inc.,
Wrensha11, Minnesota
Earl H. Rub2e, Chief Engineer, Earl H. Ruble
and Associates, Duluth, Minnesota
i
Fane B. Mann, Ehlers-Mann and Associates,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
F. H. Googins, Production Manager, J. L.
Shiely Company, 1101 No. Snelling Avenue, St.
Paul, Minnesota
Scott E. Linsley, St. Paul, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued )i
0*orge N. Walker, Vice President* Honeywead
Products Company* Mankato, Minnesota
Thomas J. Campbell, Counsel* Great Northern
Oil Company, South St. Paul, Minnesota
Y. J. Lee, Research Engineer, Cargill, Inc.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
U. W. Hella, Director, State Parks, St.
Paul, Minnesota
John W. Lambert, President, Twin City Barge
and Towing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota
Ralph P. Schommer, Secretary-Treasurer,
Trirabelle RoJ and Gun Club, Prescott, Wisconsin
R. J. Austin, American Oil Company,
Whiting, Indiana
James A. Rowe, Chemist, South St. Paul,
Minnesota
Connie Burchett, State Representative,
5lst District, Anoka County, Coon Rapidc,
Minnesota
Charles L. Betzel, Mayor, City of Prescott,
Prescott, Wisconsin
Howard I. Nelson, Senator, Minnesota
Legislature, Lindstrom, Minnesota
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2-K
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
Bill Kirohner, State Legislature Representa-
tive, 32nd District, Richfield 23, Minnesota
Senator Clarence G. Raugley, State Senate,
Red Wing, Minnesota
J. A. Storry, Plant Engineer Manager,
Armour and Company, oouth St. Paul, Minnesota
H. F. Horning, Executive Secretary, N. W.
Petroleum Association, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Harvey Norby, Manager, Petroleum E-iuipment
Department, Farmers Union Central Exchange, South
St. Paul, Minnesota
R. ?. Thornburg, Executive Secretary,
Minnesota Petroleum Council, Minneapolis,
Minnesota
D. E. Gilberts, Steam Plant Supervising
Engineer, Northern States Power Company,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
D. W. Elliott, Banister Engineering Company,
St. Paul, Minnesota
D. R. Peterson, Superintendent, American
Crystal Sugar Company, Chaaka, Minnesota
R. 0. Schoen, Chief Chemist, American
Crystal Sugar Company, Chaska, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued)i
D. J. Kennedy, Attorney, League of
Minnesota Municipalities, University of Minnesota
E. A. Westman, Civil Engineer, Water [
Department, City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, ;
i
Minnesota i
i
R. J. Hendershall, Engineer, Minnesota i
t
Association of Consulting Engineers, Hopkins, J
i
Minnesota i
j
Edward J. H. Smith, Acting President,
Mississippi Gorge Association, Minneapolis, :
Minnesota
E. .7. Doyle, President, Clear Air Clear
Water Guild, South £t. Paul, Minnesota •
Ralph B. Scott, Assistant Vice President, ';
i
Northwestern National Bank, Minneapolis, Minnesota!
Joseph H. Strub, Jr., Weather Bureau Office,;
i
Minneapolis, Minnesota !
Clyde Ryberg, Executive Secretary, (
i
Minnesota River Drainage Development, Minneapolis,I
i
Minnesota j
Jack McCPuley, Director, Government Relation^,
St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, St. Paul, Minnesota
W. C. Krog, Jr., Manager, Urban Development
Department, Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
H»nry M. Smith, President, North Central
Marina Association, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Orlando R. Ruschaeyer, Resident Fellow,
University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota
Rayaond A. Haik, Attorney, Lower Minnesota
River Watershed District, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Eugene A. Hickok, P.E., Consulting
Hydroioglst, Professional Gilding, Excelsior,
Minnesota
Martin Laalcsc, Associate Professor,
Wisconsin State College, River Falls, Wiscor^in
Ralph Most, Sr., Preacott, Wisconsin
Shirley Brattlof, St. Paul, Minnesota
Charles Klester, Minneapolis, Minnesota
R. A. Smith, Engineer, St. Paul, Minnesota
Mrs. Bertan Oeroain, St. Paul, Minnesota
Marilyn Kbrneskl, Hastings, Minnesota
Michael Kbrneski, Hastings, Minnesota
Dr. C. D. McNabb, Associate Professor of
Biology, St. Mary's College, Wlnona, Minnesota
Dr. Calvin R. Fre»ling, Associate Professor,
Wlnona State College, Qllmore Valley, Winona,
Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
Kenneth Hokanaon, University of Minnesota*
Minneapolis, Minnesota
John Keeper, St. Paul, Minnesota
E. I. Anderson, St. Paul, Minnesota
Floyd S. Cartwright, Shevlin, Minnesota
Walfred J. Arkola, Mechanical Engineer,
St. Paul, Minnesota
H. M. Harren, Chairman, Civil Administration
State of Minnesota, Albany, Minnesota
John D. Floyd, Project Representative,
U.S. AEC, Chicago, Elk River, Minnesota
James W. Qeurin, Branch Area Chief, U.S.
Geological Survey, Bridgetown, Missouri
Donald M. Gardiner, Director, Health and
Safety, USAEC, ftrgonne, Illinois
Richmond F. Brown, District Geologist,
U. S. Geological Survey, St. Paul, Minnesota
David B. Anderson, District Engineer,
U. S. Geological Survey, St. Paul, Minnesota
J. Wesley Walters, U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers, St. Paul, Minnesota
Paul H. Eschmeyer, Assistant Laboratory
Director, U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries,
Ann Arbor, Michigan
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
Philip L. Mclaughlin, Sanitary Engineer,
9th Naval District, Public Work* Office, Great
Lakes, Illinois
Wayne R. Nieolls, Forester-Watershed
Manager, U. S. Forest Service, Duluth, Minnesota
0. M. Bishop, Area Director, Area III,
U.S. Bureau of Mines, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Lawrence £. S:>hiaid, Assistant Sanitary
Engineer, U.S. Public Health Service, Region VI,
Kansas City, Missouri
Hayae H. Black, Waste Consultant, U.S.
Public Health Service, Cincinnati, Ohio
Harold P. Cleary, Robert A. Taft Sanitary
Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Rheta B. Piere, Conference Coordinator,
Public Health Service, Division of Water Supply
and Pollution Control, Washington 2$, D. C.
K. E. Biglane, Technical Services Branch,
Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control,
Public Health Service, Washington 25, D. C.
P. K. Erickson, Associate Regional Health
Director, Public Health Service, Region VI,
Kansas City, Missouri
Don Townley, U. S. Public Health Service,
Region VI, Kansas City, Missouri
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
P. W. Klttrell, Chief, Pollution Evaluation,
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center,
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mrs. Lloyd Woodruff, Chairman, National
League of Women Voter* (St. Paul), St. Paul,
Minnesota
Mrs. Eva Stoll, Chairman of Unit 3*J, League
of Women Voters, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mrs. Terry W. Puller, Board of Directors,
League of Women Voters, Red Wing, Minnesota
Mrs. Robert L. Moore, Board of Directors,
League of Women Voters, Red Wing, Minnesota
Mrs. Q. £« Mann, League of Women Voters,
State Board, Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Mrs. Malcolm Hargraves, Rochester League of
Women Voters, Rochester, Minnesota
Mrs. Harold Mooney, Minneapolis League of
Women Voters, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mrs. Wir.. Whiting, President, Leagu- of
Women Voters, Owatonna, Minnesota
Mrs. Gregory E. Pox, League of Women Voters,
Roeeville, St. Paul, Minnesota
Mrs. Ernest Rinke, League of Women Voters,
National Agenda Clerk, St. Paul, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued);
Mrs. Neal R. Aauindson. Pal«ga Heights
League of Women Voters, Builetin-Editor, St. Paul,
Minnesota
Mrs. James Earl, President, St. Paul League
of Women Voters, St. Paul, Minnesota
Mrs. Ray Grove, National Level, League of
Women Voters, St. Paul, Minnesota
Mrs. H. Milton Reeves, Aberdeen, South Dakotfc
Mrs. Herbert Bond, President, St. Croix
Valley League of Women Voters, Sweetwater,
Minnesota
F. L. iVoodward, State Sanitary Engineer,
Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Wesley E. Smith, Biologist, Minnesota State
Health Department, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Louis J. Breimhurst, Assistant Public Health
Engineer, Minnesota Health Department, University
Of Minnesota Campus, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mrs. Carl Dreres, State Board of Health,
St. Paul, Minnesota
Larry Breimhurst, Engineer, Minnesota
Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued):
Al Olson* Health Educator, Minnesota
Department of Health, University of Minnesota
Campus, Minneapolis, Minnesota !
P. J. Houser, Director, Engineering Division;
Iowa State Department of Health, State Office i
I
Building, Des Moines, Iowa
William p. Poblete, Public Health Engineer,
Rochester, Minnesota
L. E. Richie, Geologist, Minnesota Department
of Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
W. D. Schoell, Consulting Engineer, Village •
i
of Kinnetonka, Hopkins, Minnesota j
i
George L. Williams, Treatment Plant Operator),
I
City of Red Wing, Red Wing, Minnesota j
Edward C. Schwartz, Administrative Assistant
Anoka County, Court House, Anoka, Minnesota
Robert Nixon, Columbia Heights, Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Eugene A. Greicar, President, City Council,
Shakopee, Minnesota
James Taylor Dunn, President, St. Crolx
River Association, Minnesota Historical Society,
St. Paul, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued):
Arvld M. Palk, Aasistant City Attorney,
City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Wsyne H. Dannheim, Administrator, Village
of Circle Fines, Circle Pines, Minnesota
Earl H. Poster, Fierce County Committee,
?..' > er Palls, Wisconsin
(Gordon E. Bodien, City Engineer, City of
Minneapolis, Minneapolis 15, Minnesota
Joseph C. Kittilson, Alderman, City of
Prescott, Prescott, Wisconsin
Isabel St. John, :"tate Secretary, Izaak
Walton League of America, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jake N. Licke, State President, State
Division, Izaak Walton League of America, Walker,
Minnesota
James J. Sullivan, South Minneapolis Chapter
Izaak Walton League of America, Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Leo D. Mosier, Senator, State Senate,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Diehard L. Sha, Engineering Consultant,
NSSi-D, Minneapolis, Minnesota
W. H. Cropaey, Superintendent, Sewage Treat-
ment Plant, City of South St. Paul, South St.
Paul, Minnesota
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OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE (Continued)a
L. W. Harsh, Executive Secretary, Mlnneapoli
St. Paul Sanitary District, St. Paul, Minnesota
N. L. Robins, Chief Chemical and Sanitary
Engineer, Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District,
St. Paul, Minnesota
Mrs. J. Homer Plerson, Secretary, Clear
Air-Clear Water Unlimited, South St. Paul,
Minnesota
M. R. Boudrye, Director, Clear Air-Clear
Water, Unlimited, South St. Paul, Minnesota
Thomas C. Savage, Clear Air-Clear Water
Unlimited, South St. Paul, Minnesota
Keith D. Law, Hastings, Minnesota
Elizabeth J. Anderson, Treasurer, Clear
Air-Clear Water unlimited, St. Paul, Minnesota
Willis Olson, Hastings, Minnesota
M. R. Boudry, 3100 38th Avenue, So.,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
C. Q. Brown, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Edward D. Shlmeh, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Raymond A. Haik, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Opening StatMmnt - Mr. Stein
OPENINO STATEMENT
BY
MR. MURRAY STEIN
MR. STEIN: The conference is open.
This conference in the matter of pollution of the
nterstate and int restate waters of the Mississippi River
and its tributaries involving the States of Wisconsin and
Minnesota and the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, is being held under the provisions of Section 8 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Under the terms of
the flct the Secretary of H alth, Education, and Welfare is
authorized to call a conference of this type when requested
to do so by the Governor of a State and when on the basis
of reports, surveys or studies he has reason to believe that
pollution of interstate waters subject to abatement under
the Act is occurring.
In a letter dated September 9, 1963, to the
Honorable Anthony Celebrezze, Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare, Governor Karl Rolvaag of Minnesota made such a
request, as did Governor John Reynolds of Wisconsin in a
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Opening Statement - Mr. St«ln
letter dated September 17, 1963.
Both of these letters, without objection, will
appear in the record at this point.
(The letters referred to are as follows:
THE STATE OP WISCONSIN
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
MADISON
53702
John W. Reynolds
Governor September 17, 1963
The Honorable Anthony J. Celebrezze, Secretary
Department of Health, Education and Welfare
Washington 25, D. C.
Dear Secretary Celebrezze:
I would like to express my sincere appreciation
and that of Governor Karl Rolvaag of Minnesota for your
assistance in making available to us the time and services
of members of your staff for a meeting held here on September
6 in connection with the problem of water pollution control
along the Mississippi River.
I would like at this time to Join Governor
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5
Opening Stateaent - Mr. Stein
Rolvaag in requesting a conference under the provision* of
Section 8 of the Federal Mater Pollution Control Act.
The subject of such conference should be the
interstate and intraatate pollution problems of the
Mississippi River from the Coon Rapids Dam In Minnesota,
through Lake Pepin, including the major tributaries in
Minnesota and Wisconsin. !
We appreciate the support and cooperation offered
by Assistant Secretary James Quigley and Mr. Murray Stein
of your Department, and of Assistant Secretary Briggs of
the Department of the Interior. We agree with them that
an extensive study of the pollution problems will be
necessary in order to alleviate the dangerous situations
that exist.
Both Governor Rolvaag and I have, as you know,
expressed our determination that all appropriate state
agencies shall cooperate fully with the Federal Government
'n determining the extent of the problem, the avenues of
approach to, and the solution and execution of the agreed
jpon methods of control.
We look forward to working with you in full
-ooperatLon. .•-*. ; appreciate your help thus far.
Sincerely yours,
/»/ John W. Reynolds, Governor
**«»«*
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STATE OP MINNESOTA
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
SAINT PAUL 1
Karl P. Rolvaag
Governor
Honorable Anthony Celebrezze
Secretary
Department Health, Education and Welfare
Washington 25, D. C.
Dear Secretary Celebrezze:
May I express to yo> the sincere thanks of
Governor John Reynolds of Wisconsin and myself for your
kindness in making Assistant Secretary James Quigley and Mr.
Murray ->tein of your department available for our September
6th meeting.
After conference with Assistant Secretary
Quigley, Mr, Murray Stein, Asst. Secretary of Interior, Mr
Prank P, Briggs and Representatives of the U. S. Army Corps
of Engineers, Governor Reynolds and I would like to request
a conference under the provisions of Section 8 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
Such action would Include the interstate and
intrastate pollution problems of the Mississippi River from
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7
Opening Statement - Mr. Stain
the Coon Rapid* Dam in Minnesota through Lake Pepln including
the Major tributaries in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Both federal and atate official* concerned are
agreed that an extenaive study of the pollution problems
will be neceaaary in order to achieve equitable solutions.
We especially appreciate the support and cooperation offered
by Aaaistant Secretary Qulgley and A sistant Secretary
Brigga.
We are certain that with federal cooperation in
partnership with our respective state organizations much can
be done to improve our water resources In Minnesota and
Wisconsin. It will prove to be of inestimable value to
this entire region and the nation.
Your thoughtful understanding and cooperation
thus far has been deeply appreciated and we look forward
to the privilege of working with you to meet the challenge
ahead.
Sincerely,
/a/ Karl P. Rolvaag, Oovernor
cc: Mr. Qulgley
Mr. Stein
Mr. Brigga
Governor Reynolds
Lt. Col. Harding)
********
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Opening Stateaent - Mr. Stein
MR. STEIN: In accordance with these request!
and with the terms of the law, a notice of the conference
was sent to Dr. Barr, Secretary, Minnesota Water pollution
Control Commission and to Mr. Wisnlewskl, Director, Wisconsin
Stake Committee on Water Pollution.
I might aay in response to the request frcm
these two governors, the Department of Health, Education,
i
and Welfare has recognized that the problem in the Upper
Mississippi area around the St. Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan
area and the area encompassed by this conference probably
constitutes one of the most important resources of this
country. The Department believes that this resource is so
important that, on the bas'o of the requests of the two
governors, the highest priority has been accorded to ^t Jn
our Federal agency.
That is, within the limits of appropriated.funds
and available personnel, yo>j can be sure that this will
receive from o^r Department, in accordance with the law, all
that we can put into the problem.
In accordance with the terms of the Act this IB
a conference between the representatives of the Department
of Health, Education, and Welfare and the representatives of
the State agencies. These parties constitute the conferees.
However, the representatives of the official agencies are
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9
Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
privileged to bring whomever they wish to the conference and
have then participate In it.
In addition to thoae two excellent friends of
water reaources and natural resources, Governor Karl Rolvaag
of Mlnneaota and Governor John W. Reynolda of Wisconsin, we
have several conferees, as are required by law.
The State of Minnesota has designated as its
conferees for the conference Dr. M. M. Hargraves, Chairman,
Water Polliition Control Comraisaionj Lyle H. Smith, Executive
Engineer for the Commissionj Chester S. Wilson, Special
Assistant Attorney General, Covnsel for the Commission.
Conferees for the State of Wisconsin are 0. J. Muegge,
Chairman, Comroittee on Water Pollution and State Sanitary
Engineer| Mr. Theodore Wisniewski, Director, Coomittee on
Water Pollution| and Mr. James H. McDermott, Assistant
Attorney General and Counsel to the Committee on Water
Pollution. Mr. H. W. Poston has been designated as
conferee for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
My name is Murray Stein, and I am from headquarters of the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, in Washington,
D. C.
As you know, the conference procedure is a
tried and proven technique. In many of the States
conferences are ueed informally in the day-to-day business
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Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
of water pollution control. And as long ago aa 1981 the
value of this technique waa recognised by the United State*
Supreme Court when in the famous case of New York against
New Jersey Involving Interstate pollution, it stated, and
I quote:
"we cannot withhold the suggestion
inspired by the consideration of this case,
that the grave problems of sewage disposal
presented by the large and growing popula-
tion living on the shores or New York Bay
is one more likely to be wisely solved by
cooperative study and by conference and mutual
concession on the part of representatives of
the States so vitally interested in it than
by proceedings in any court, however
constituted."
We strongly support the conference technique, and
we in the Federal program measure our success by the situa-
tions which are solved at the conference stage rather than
by the court actions we bring.
It would seem that the complex problem in this area
ene particularly amenable to equitable solution by the
conference technique.
Both the States and the Federal Government have
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Opening Statement - Mr. Sttln n
responsibilities In dealing with water pollution control
problems. The federal water Pollution Control Act declares
that the Statea have primary right* and responsibilities for
taking action to abate and control pollution. Conalatent
with this, we are charged by law to encourage the Statea
In these activities. However, the Secretary of Health,
Education, and Welfare also ia charged by law with specific
responsibilities in the field of water pollution control, in
connection with pollution of navigable and interstate waters
which endangers the health or welfare of persona. The Act
provides that pollution of Interstate waters, whether the
natter causing or contributing to such pollution is dis-
charged directly into such waters, or reaches such waters
after discharge into a tributary of such waters, which
endangers the health or welfare of persons in a State other
than that in which the discharge originates, Is subject to
abatement, in the case of intrastate navigable waters the
Act states that the Secretary shall call a conference at
the request of the Governor of any State if that request
refers to pollution of interstate or navigable waters which
is endangering the health or welfare of persons only in the
requesting State in which the discharges originate, or if
the request refers to pollution of waters which is endanger-
ing the health or welfare of persons in the requesting
State.
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12
Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
The purpose of this conference is to bring
together representatives of the State water pollution
control agencies and the Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare, the governors of the States, and other
interested parties to review the existing situation, the
progress which has been made, to lay a basis for future
action by all parties concerned and to give the States,
localities and industries an opportunity to take any remedial
action which may be indicated under State and local law
Under the Federal law the Secretary is required,
at the conclusion of the conference, to prepare a summary
of it which will be sent to the conferees. T^e summary,
according to law, must Include the following:
1. Occurrence of pollution of interstate and navigable
waters subject to abatement under the Federal Act;
2. Adequacy of measures taken toward abatement of the
pollution; and
3. The nature of delays, if any, being encountered in
abating the pollution.
Subsequent to the holding of a conference, the
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare is required to
make recommendations for remedial action if such recommenda-
tions are indicated.
In order to help us provide a serviceable summary
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Opening Stateaent - Mr. Sttln 13
we suggest the conference discussion be directed towards
covering those points outlined above. The conference
conclusions and recommendations will be based solely on the
material presented in this record. Mr. Al M. Zlnmer is
naking a verbatim report of the conference, so we will
have a complete record of what is said and done here. The
Conference summary and the verbatim report will be Bade
available to the official State water pollution control
agencies of Minnesota and Wisconsin. We would suggest that
all interested parties who wish a copy of the summary or
the transcript, after the conference, get in touch with their
State agency.
All the conferees will be called upon to Bake
statements. The conferees, in addition, may call upon
participants they have invited to the Conference to make
statements. ;t the conclusion of such statements, the
conferees will be given an opportunity to comment or ask
questions. This procedure has proven effective in the past
in developing a clear picture of the problem and in reaching
agreements on equitable recommendations and conclusions.
At the end of all the statements, we will have a
discussion among the conferees and try to arrive at a basis
of agreement on the facts of the situation. Then we will
attempt to summarize the conference orally, giving the
conferees, of course, the right to amend or suggest
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Opening Statement - Mr. Stein 1*
modifications of the summary.
We would suggest that persons other than those
sitting at the head table called upon to make statements
cone up to the lectern and speak so that everyone can hear
them.
We would like at this point to call upon a
great friend of preservation of the country's natural
resources, the Governor of Minnesota, Governor Karl P.
Rolvaag.
Governor Rolvaag?
GOVERNOR ROLVAAG: 1 think, Murray, that in the
interests of Governor Reynolds' schedule, who is leaving
in order to be in Durand, Wisconsin, later this forenoon,
I will yield my position as the host governor and permit
Governor Reynolds to make his statement.
GOVERNOR REYNOLDS: Thank you, Karl.
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15
Governor J. w, Reynolds
STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE JOHN W. REYNOLDS,
GOVERNOR OP THE STATE OF WISCONSIN
GOVERNOR REYNOLDS: Governor Rolvaag, Mr. Stain,
and friends:
It is indeed a pleasure to be here this morning
in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and especially to be considering
the problem of the pollution of the Mississippi River, which,
as we know, is one of the great natural resources, not only
of this section of the country, but of the whole Middle West,
practically fro» the Canadian border down to New Orleans.
This conference or pollution on the Upper
Mississippi River was called at the direct request of both
Governor Rolvaag and myself, to make sure that every
assistance possible be given our two States in the clean-up
of this great river. Like many such conferences, this one
was spurred by a crisis.
A year ago, at this time, ruptures In tanks and
lines of soybean and mineral oils storage areas at Mankato
and Savage, Minnesota, had already occurred. Then, approxi-
mately 3~£ million gallons of oil lay spilled on the Ice
and snow, imuobilised by the severe cold of that winter.
When the warn spring breakup ca«e to the
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16
Governor J. W. Reynolds
Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, this huge spillage became
suddenly mobile, seeping and sliding into the swollen rivers
and eventually into the Mississippi itself.
The lighter oils moved rather freely, spreading
over nearly all of the water surface to Lake Pepin. The
more viscous soya oils coved slowly. Lake Pepin held its
ice longer than the river, and acted as a dam. Oils backed
up into the sloughs and backwaters, some being blown ashore,
some sinking, and some bobbing along causing, in the words
of one man, "the Diggest pollution mess I have ever seen. "
It was at this point that Wisconsin became
involved in this problem.
On March 29, the Wisconsin Committee on Water
Pollution received warning on the situation. By April 3>
Governor Rolvaag, who had by that time become governor, had
already declared a state of emergency and called out the
Minnesota National Guard.
On April 8, Governor Rolvaag contacted me,
advising me of the seriousness of the situation and
suggesting an early meeting to discuss the emergency. We
checked with our officials that day and, on April 9th,
dispatched a Department of Resource Development specialist
to survey the situation by air.
He found the upper part of Lake Pepin with an
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17
Governor J. V. Reynolds
80 percent oil covering with huge blobs of congealed oil
shining in the tun. Shorelines were covered with yellow
oil. Except for a dilution area at the mouth of the St,
Croix River, the Mississippi River had a 100 percent —
I repeat that — 100 percent — oil slick up to St. Pa a.
On April 12 my representative act with Governor
Rolvaag at St. Paul to discuss the situation with concerned
State and Federal agency people. At this meeting, the
Federal Government reported on their analysis of the situa-
tion and explained possible control measures. None of
these measures were deemed feasible considering the
tremendous area covered by the oils.
On April 19» a ground check was made of the area
by the Department of Resource Development.
At this time, it was determined that this problem
would be with us for some time. While fish and wildlife
losses in Wisconsin were reported as minimal, heavy damage
to beaches and shore installations were apparent.
On May 7, a preliminary report on conditions
was received from Mr. DeMartinl of the Public Health
Service, on the April 16-22 check of the area from Mankato,
Minnesota, to Alma, Wisconsin. Conditions, by that tine,
were much improved, but he warned of substantial oil con-
centrations in bottom muds. These, I notice, were reported
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18
Governor J. W. Reynolds
later as persisting. Since such oils In bottom muds stop
blotlc life there and can seriously affect fish life, their
presence is critical.
On September 6, at the request of Governor
Rolvaag and myself, a meeting was held In Madison at which
Mr. Quigley, Assistant Secretary of the United States Depart-
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare, and Murray Stein,
Chief of Enforcement, were present with their staffs to
provide our two States with a summary of the investigations j
to date and Federal recommendations.
After ful• discussion of both State and Federal |
technical people, Governor Rolvaag and I officially requestedl
as Mr. Stein mentioned previously, that the Federal Depart- |
i
I
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare, cooperating with j
-on^erned State agencies, make s Complete check of the
Upper Mississippi River Basin to determine and isolate causes
of pollution and to recommend remedies.
The past months have been months of intensive
action, but I realize that many of the residents along this
river are impatient for rapid clean-up, and rightly so.
Governor Rolvaag and I feel that unified action
will be needed to make progress. Minnesota, with its Twin
Cities Metropolitan area, faces the biggest Job as, of
course, they have the greatest concentration of Industry and
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19
Governor J. W. Reynold*
population on the upper river. The Federal Government
urgently needs regulation of barge traffic dumping, and
Wisconsin certainly la not blameless In many respects.
As we use these waters more and more heavily,
and as developments increase, we all have to be more con-
siderate. We all must realize that septic tank leaking
Is pollution — that commercial fish refuse tossed in the
river Is pollution — that facilities for barge-blowing and
refuse disposal are needed now. Wisconsin pledges its
cooperation with both Minnesota and the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare, for the protection of the
great Mississippi resource.
I do hope, and I am sure, that this conference
today will be a most fruitful one, that the three agencies
of government, the Federal Government and the two States,
will join in a united effort to clean up probably one of
the greatest natural resources of the world, the Mississippi
River.
Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Governor.
(Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you for a very excellent and
comprehensive statement. Governor.
Governor Rolvaag.
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20
Governor K. F. Rolvaag
STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE KARL F. ROLVAAO,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
GOVERNOR ROLVAAG: Governor Reynold*, Murray
Stein, Chief of the Enforceoent Division, and all those
friends in conservation efforts to combat pollution:
It is a pleasure thia morning to extend official
greetings to our friend and neighbor, the Honorable John
W. Reynolds, Governor of Wisconsin. Also to Mr. Murray
Stein, Chief of the Enforcement Branch, Division of Water
Supply and Pollution Control, United States Public Health
Service; conferees from Wisconsin and Minnesota, and other
officials and individuals interested in the present or future!
use of the Mississippi River and connecting waters. It is
my sincere hope, and one which I am sure you all share with
me, that today's conference will prove a most successful
and productive one. Without question, the need for this is
of the greatest urgency, and I am happy to see such sub-
stantial and wholehearted support and representation by
Federal, State and local agencies, as well as private
citizens.
The problem that brings us together today,
ironically, was created by official indifferences and public
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21
Governor K. F. Rolvaag
apathy to the problem of water pollution. It took last
winter's oil spills on the Mississippi River, and a tragic
loss of wildlife and damage to private shore installations,
to arouse a sleeping and indifferent public. This incident
created a crisis and caused an immediate and intensive
investigation into our methods and policing of water pollu-
tion control activities. Last fall, Governor Reynolds and j
I requested President Kennedy to aid as in setting up this
onference so that all citizens and agencies involved in
pollution control could listen and contribute their knowledge
to this most basic of all human needs and human problems, in
this section of America.
I believe that this conference will accomplish
much, because it must.
We in Minnesota are proud of our conservation
education program. We feel that in most areas we have made
great strides in developing public understanding and aware-
ness. But it is obvious from recent events that much remains
to be done to educate the public to the realities of the
pollution problem; to develop better understanding and
acceptance of the necessity for the stringent measures
needed and required by pollution abatement programs.
The significance of water conservation cannot
be overemphasized. We can anticipate that during the next
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22
Governor K. P. Rolvaag
100 years, Minnesota will experience a greater need, a
greater demand for water to be used by its Increasing
population, expanding industry, and more productive agri-
culture. Our higher standards of living, too, is daily
requiring more water per capita.
Minnesota is unusually fortunate in the abundance
and purity of its water resources, and, generally, increased
demands will not overtax available supplies But unless
we act now, an unavoidable consequence of expansion will
be additional possibilities for the pollution of our lakes,
our streams, and our underground sources.
I feel that it is important to note here, too,
that if cur abundant water resources are to be developed
without overtaxing supplies in some localities while water
is wasted In others, the program of hydrolog-ic studies and
data collection now being carried on must be continued and
expanded.
The watershed approach to management of water
resources should be enco,raged and integrated with State
policies and objectives by suitable action at the State
level. "Pure Water for Tomorrow" la truly one of the most
solemn obligations we owe to our sons and daughters.
Improved water management practices and increased
public awareness of the importance of water, and the vital
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23
Governor K. P. Rolvaag
necessity for enlightened pollution abatement programs
nuat be dramatized and brought hone to every citizen to
obtain an effective water management program for the future.
Today, we are well aware of the existence of
pollution In the stretch of river immediately below the
Twin Cities, and the need for Improvement in that locale.
We are not gathered here today to point accusing
fingers and directly assess responsibility for the situation
with which we are confronted. Whatever the factors involved,
the pollution problem has been accentuated by the explosive
population growth that has taken place in the Twin Cities
and their suburbs over the past 15 years — one of the
fastest growing of all such areas in our nation.
When the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers were
befouled by large quantities of oils escaping from Industrial
storage tanks last winter, and Inflicted heavy damage
on ducks and other water fowl moving north in the spring
migration, and on fish and other wildlife, countless
citizens were astounded to learn that none of our State
agencies had clear-cut responsibility and legal authority
to enforce measures to insure proper storage of such
materials. Nor did they possess the powers to require
salvage action and cleanup in such accidental loss.
The water pollution control measures enacted by
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24
Governor K. P. Rolvaag
the 1963 session of the Minnesota legislature, which I
signed Into law, authorized the Water Pollution Control
Commission to adopt regulations to require protection for
all tanks where liquids are stored to prevent spills reaching
a watercourse. The Commission is now preparing such
regulations.
Section U of Chapter 8?^, Minnesota Laws of
1963, establishes a positive State policy regarding pre-
vention and abatement of pollution. The Water Pollution j
j
Control Commission is developing a long-range plan and j
i
i
program for implementing this policy. Armed with this {
legislative mandate and the additional authority, the Coramls- \
slon has every intention of pursuing an aggressive program j
!
within the limits of the funds and personnel available to it. j
Later today, the Commission will make its own
report on the accomplishments, present conditions, policies,
goals and objectives, and oropoaed future actions relating
to water pollution control by the State of Minnesota.
It would seem obvious that the long-range program
of the Water Pollution Control Commission must be fully
evaluated If we are to move ahead and reach our stated
objective of the best use and protection of the waters of
all of our State.
Any program would be handicapped without
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25
Governor K. F. Rolvaag
comprehensive studies to assure that pollution control is
based on adequate scientific knowledge if we are to avoid
creating new problems and if we are to correct dreadful past
errors and oversights. And, as I mentioned earlier, our
new program must be based on the changing water needs of at
least the next 50 years.
It was apparent -- early last year -- that our
Water Pollution Control Commission did not have the funds
nor personnel for such detailed studies. Of necessity we
have looked to the Federal Government for assistance and
cooperation with both Minnesota and Wisconsin,
The possibility of a broad Federal study was
discussed when I visited Washington last June to confer on
a number of conservation natters. Then, in September, at a
meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, and after a conversation
with President Kennedy, Governor Reynolds joined me in a
request for a study of water pollution in the Upper Mississippi
River and its tributaries, including the Minnesota River.
Federal representatives immediately responded with plans for
a comprehensive study of approximately two years' duration
to be conducted by the Public Health Service, at a minimum
<>ost of $250,000, and possibly half a million dollars.
The Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commission
assures me that it welcomes the opportunity to Join with the
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26
Governor K. P. Rolvaag
United States Public Health Service In their atudy of river
conditions In thla area.
We expect that the results of this Investigation
by Federal agencies, as to sources of pollution, methods of
treatment, and the effects of effluent on the river will be
of great assistance to the Commission in developing its
future long-range plans.
Minnesota haa played a key role in bi-partiaan
efforts to obtain adequate water pollution control legisla-
tion, since the efforts of the late Senators Berkley and
Taft resulted In enactment of the first clean water bill in
1948.
Thanks to the inspired leadership of Congressman
John A. Blatnik of Minnesota, whom our late President John
P. Kennedy called "the father of the Federal water pollution
control program — the program whl :h is cleaning up rivers
and streams throughout America," and also through the efforts
of Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Senator Eugene McCarthy
and others in Minnesota, we have seen this basic Act extended
and strengthened in 1956, and again in 1961, down to the
present proposed effective water pollution control legislatio
now pending in the Congress of the United States.
I believe the Federal Government has an important
role In pollution control. I warmly welcome their technical
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27
Governor K. P. Rolvaag
assistance and I assure Mr. Anthony Celebrezze, Secretary of
Health, Education, and welfare. Mho agreed to thla conference
today, of Minnesota's wholehearted cooperation and assistance.
Again, my best wishes for a most successful
conference, and my thanks to all those from public and
private agencies for their attendance today.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you for a truly excellent state-
ment, Governor Rolvaag.
You know, we do have some seats down in front for
those who are standing, who may wish to come down and sit,
rather than stand in the back.
I might say that even today, Congressman John A.
Blatnik is conducting hearings on new water pollution control
legislation.
I now have a statement from Congressman Lester
Johnson, who has asked that this be put into the record at
this time. It is rather short.
He states:
"I very much regret that Congressional
business prevents me from being here in person
to take part in this Federal-State Pollution
Abatement Conference. However, my friend
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28
"Murray Stein, Mho la Chief of Enforcement of the
Federal Mater Pollution Control Program at the
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, very
kindly offered to extend my greetlnga and beat
wishes for the success of this Conference.
"Hurray and I became very well-acquainted
last spring, when an oil slick on the upper
Mississippi River claimed the lives of countless
ducks, geeae and fur-bearing animals and adversely
affected the recreational use of the river for a
stretch of 100 miles. I doubt that any of us who
worked on this emergency problem will ever forget
the lesson it so powerfully Illustrated.
"As you know, that oil slick and the havoc
it brought has caused the residents on both sides
of the Mississippi from Prescott to Prairie du
Chien, Wisconsin, to form a Citizens Committee
for Upper Mississippi Pollution Control. This
Committee, which is serving as a watchdog group,
attracted 160 people to its first meeting, held
November 2 at Wabasha, Minnesota.
"They cane from communities on both sides
of the river from the Twin Cities south to the
Iowa line. Some of the delegates hailed from
towns as far down the river from Wabasha aa 90
-------
29
"miles. They had one thing In oostton --a great
growing concern over the increasing pollution of
the aoenio Mississippi River.
"Appropriately enough, the Citizens Commit-
tee has chosen as its slogan 'We Can't All Live
Upstream.1 And just as we can't all live upstream,
neither can we continue to pollute and waste our
water resources as though we had an inexhaustible
supply.
"Although the oil pollution emergency on the
Upper Mississippi River created a highly unpleasant
situation, It Is only part of the ever-increasing
Industrial waste and sewage pollution of this
great waterway. If permitted to continue, this
pollution will turn our scenic Upper Mississippi
into nothing more than an unattractive and unsanitary
open sewer. We must act with all possible speed to
put into effect a pollution control program to clean
up the Mississippi River and to see that It remains
clean.
"I an delighted that the Governors of
Wisconsin and Minnesota have requested the Federal
assistance that is available under the provisions
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which
I co-authored with Minnesota Congressman John Blatnlk
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30
"In the 84th Congress. This Conference Is a
result of that request.
"The job of establishing and enforcing a
long-range pollution abatement progran for the
Upper Mississippi is a tremendous one. However,
it is a Job which deserves — and which I an sure
will get — our best efforts.
"Each year, increasing demands are made
of the Upper Mississippi River for commercial
navigation and recreational, municipal and
industrial uses. It is important that every effort
be made to preserve and protect these waters for
maximum use for all interests in both States.
"Controlling pollution on the Upper
Mississippi River is not merely something that
should be done. It la something which must be
done. Failure will bring a health hazard and a
wasteland in place of a magnificent Source of
pleasure and a vital flow of revenue.
"Thank you."
This concludes the statement of Lester Johnson,
and he followed the rule for germaneness.
Off the record.
(Discussion off the record. )
MR. STEIN: At this point we would like to oall
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31
c'i Nr. Poatc^ ro-.» tit jfttoeral presentation.
QOVBRNOR REYNOLDS} Before you start, I «uat
leave.
MR. STEINi Thank you.
GOVERNOR ROLVAAO: I want to, on behalf of all
the confereea and those preaent here, thank Governor
Reynolds for taking tine from a very busy schedule to come
over here to Join with us.
I know that you will accept my apologies for
playing host to Governor Reynolds and leaving with him. I
will see some of you at lunch this noon.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
MR. STEIN; Mr. Poaton.
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32
H. W. Poston
STATEMENT OP H. W. POSTON, CONFEREE AND
REGIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR, REGION V,
DIVISION OP WATER SUPPLY AND POLLUTION
CONTROL, DEPARTMENT OP HEALTH, EDUCATION,
AND WELFARE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
MR. POSTON: Mr. Chairman, fellow conferees,
ladies and gentlemen:
I am very appreciative of the opportunity to be
here today as a Federal conferee in this Important matter
-jealing with the water quality of the Upper Mississippi
River and some of its tributaries.
The importance, the urgency of this meeting is
indicated by the fact that it was called by Governors
Rolvaag and Reynolds. Your Congress, by passage of and by
appropriations for the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
has shown concern and urgency in pollution matters of the
country as a whole.
We are here this morning because of one of these
provisions of the Federal water Pollution Control Act,
namely, the enforcement section. There are other provisions
in this Act that are presently working in this particular
area. Our construction grants program has made available
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33
K. M, Ftoifcors
to ten communities in this ar«« $1,200,000 for construction
of municipal sewage treatment work!, municipal works coating
upwards of $5-± million.
The Federal Government has provisions in the
Water Pollution Control Act for grants to State agencies to
extend and to expand their State water pollution control
programs. There are provisions for research, research on
water pollution matters, not only on a contract basis, but
on a grant basis to universities, colleges, and front our
Sanitary Engineering Center at Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act provides
for technical services. These are scientific and technical
consultation and assistance Jn sophisticated matters, matters
that are requested by industry and by your State agencies.
Lastly, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
provides for the development of a comprehensive program
Jointly with State agencies , with Federal agencies, with
Industries and municipalities which are concerned.
I think I said I was glad to be here. I am glad
to be here for several reasons.
First, I am a Midwesterner, and I an working and
participating in what I think to be a worthwhile undertaking.
Secondly, I an glad to be here because of the
pleasant relationships that we have had with municipalities
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3*
K. V. Pos ton
and your State agencies, and those people In these two
States on various parts of our other programs.
Lastly, I an glad to be here because of the
friendly, the cooperative and the helpful urgent attitude
of all of the people in this State who are concerned with
this particular conference.
For the Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, I pledge the support of my staff and my office for
rlean water ir the Mississippi and its tributaries in this
particular area; and, as an evidence of our desire to
cooperate and be helpful, we have already established at
the Twin Cities Naval Air Station an office and a resident
technical staff to carry out the directives of this
conference.
To outline for you, on the part of the Department
of Health, Education, and welfare, the picture of water
use and water pollution problems in this great metropolitan
area and the Upper Mississippi River, Mr. Jack Radenacher,
Senior Sanitary Engineer of my office, has prepared a report
from available information. This will be given to the
reporter, and Mr. Rademacher will present a review of the
salient points set forth in this report.
Mr. Rademacher.
MR. STEIN: Before you begin, without objection,
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35
J. M. R*doMcher
the r«port will appear in the record as if read after your
summary.
MR. RAEEMACHER: Thank you.
STATEMENT OP J. M. RADEMACHER, SENIOR
SANITARY ENGINEER, REGION V, DIVISION
OP WATER SUPPLY AND POLLUTION CONTROL,
DEPARTMENT OP HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND
WELFARE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
MR. RADEMACHER: Mr. Poston, Chairman Stein,
distinguished conferees, ladies and gentlemen:
I have submitted to the reporter a full text
of the report, and, as Mr. Poston indicated, I will make a
review of the salient points of the report.
The purpose of this report, which is based on
available data obtained from State and local groups, is to
examine and report on the uses made of the area's waters
and on the existing sources of pollution.
The cooperation provided by the Minnesota Water
Pollution Control Commission and the Wisconsin Committee on
Water Pollution should be recognized.
The report considers the quality characteristics
of the water as they exist today, and evaluates the effects
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36
J. M. Radenaoher
of waate discharges on water quality and water ua*a. The
report contains conclusion* thought to be Justified on the
baals of Information presently available, and suggests areas
in which additional investigations are needed.
For the information of all concerned, if you turn
to Page 60 in your report that you have here, there is a
pull-out map which duplicates the one on the extreme right
now.
The conference area, a very important segment
of the Upper Mississippi extends from the mouth of the Rum
River in Minnesota to the outlet of Lake Pepin. A distance
of approximately 107 miles along the main stera of the
Mississippi River is covered. The lower reaches of the
Minnesota and St. Oroix Rivers, which are tributary to the
main stem, are also included within the conference area.
The uses of the particular stretch of the
pper Mississippi River described are governed by people
and their activities.
On the basis of the I960 Census, the population
of these 12 counties within the study area was over
1,600,000. The Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area had
a 1960 population of 1,525,000. The downriver areas are
sparsely populated in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. However,
the picture for this entire area will be drastically changed
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37
J. N. Hadtanaeiiir
if the estimates of the deitocraphers and eeonaidLsta ami
approximated. They feel that this area will have almost three
•illion people by the year 2000, if present trends continue.
All these additional waste producers* with all their support-
ing comaeroial and industrial activities, will have available
for use the river with no change in volume.
What are these waters used for?
At this time the major use made of the Mississippi
River system in this area for municipal water supply is in
the upper reach of the river above St. Anthony Palls. The
annual average daily withdrawal from the river for Minneapolis
and St. Paul is approximately 73 million gallons per day with
an estimated maximum dally withdrawal reaching about 20O MOD.
About 59£ of the people living in the metropolitan area are
served by the two supplies.
The metropolitan area is supported by a variety
of water-using industries and almost 70# of the water used by
industry is ground water. Of the surface water used by
industry over 99# is supplied by the Minneapolis and St. Paul
municipal systems. Over 126 MOD is used by industry for
product processing in the Twin Cities area.
Steaa power plants on the Mississippi and
Minnesota Rivers in the immediate area of the Twin Cities
are the biggest users of water. Almost 868 MOO was the
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38
J. N. Radeaacher
average daily UM by the two plant* located on the
River and one plant on the Minnesota River in 19&1*
hydro-electric power generation capacity it limited to the
upper aeotion of the Mississippi River above it* juncture
with the Minnesota River. The total hydro-eleotrlo generating
capacity is only about 4$ of the total steam power plant
capacity in the area.
Commercial fishing has been a major use of the
river and over the years millions of pounds of fish have been
harvested by consnercial fishermen on the Mississippi. During
1961, for example* the total commercial catch for Pool 4 was
1*736,714 pounds valued at over $81, OCX), Pool 3, on the
other hand, had a total commercial catch of 104, 180 pounds
valued at about $4,000. Carp is the predominant specie in
the c crane re ial catch and amounted to 94.5$ of the total in
Pool 3 and 93$ in Pool 4. There is no commercial fishing in
Pool 1. The Minnesota Department of Conservation reports
that the average annual commercial catch for the 1959*62
period waa 330,955 pounds in Pool 2.
Stock watering and irrigation are relatively minor
uses from a volume standpoint with an estimated 116MOY used
for irrigation and 2 MOD for stock watering in Minnesota
above.
Navigation use can be pictured by the over 5
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39
J. M.
million ton* of cargo that were hind 1*4 In the Forts of
Minneapolis and St. Paul during 1963. With the oompletitm of
tht 9 foot channel above St. Anthony Palls in September 1963
and development of adequate docking facilities, the Corps of
Engineers estimates that over 2,000,000 tons of cargo will be
locked through the St. Anthony Falls Look each year.
The species of fish In the stretch of the
Mississippi River under consideration range from game to
rough. They include walleyed pike, northern pike, largemouth
and snallmouth bass, panflsh and a great variety of rough
fish dominated by carp.
The bulk of the game fish are found in the St.
Croix River, in Lake Fepin, in Pool 3 above Red Wing, and in
the section about St. Anthony Falls. It is reported by the
Minnesota Department of Conservation that on the basis of a
1956 survey, game fish in the Hastings Pool (L.&D. #2) were
roughly half as abundant as in the Red Wing Pool (L.&D. #3).
The Mississippi River is also a major artery in
the continental system of flyways serving the wildfowl migra-
tions. Each year thousands of ducks, geese, and other migra-
tory birds have made their annual trek to and from the north
lands using the Mississippi River as a way station in their
travels.
The State of Minnesota has recognized the importance
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J. N. RBdemaober
of wildlife preservation In this area and ha* developed the
5*430 acre Gores - Pool Number 3 done Refuge and Public
Hunting Grounds BOOM six miles southeast of Hastings.
Recreation, considered as an Industry, ranks
among the top five in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Swimming in the waters under consideration is
almost totally confined to the St. Crolx River and Late Pepln
On the screen now is a slide showing the relative mater uses
in the conference area. Lake Pepln has several fine beaches
located at Bay City, Wisconsin and Lake city, Minnesota, as
well as at the resort areas below Red tfing, Minnesota. These
are regularly used by swimmers. The recreational use map
indicates the locations of beaches and marinas in the area.
Water skiers to a greater or lesser degree use almost the
entire stretch of the river to test their skills.
In the Minneapolis-fit. Paul marketing area ap-
proximately 131,000 outboard motors were in use in 19&3.
Minneapolis is fifth among the nation's leading cities in
outboard motor sales and motors in use. This represents a
sizeable boon to the economy of the area* with millions of
dollars invested in boats, motors, accessories, insurance,
docking, storage, maintenance and repairs.
Pishing is an important recreational activity in
the Mlnneapollo-St. Paul to Lake Pepln area both in summer
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J. M.
and wlater. Studies on sport fishing eowhieted in areas
similar to the Mlaneapolis-St. Paul area have shown as
as 75£ of all available boats wire used for fishing. On that
basis* it appears that as many as 100*000 boats may be used
for fishing in this area.
During the past year, the total number of persons
using licenses was 37^,^20, or almost 23$ of the resident
population. Ice fishing is also a popular sport along the
river and on a typical winter day several hundred fishing
shanties and anglers may be seen on the Mississippi River and
Lake Pepiji.
The waters of the Upper Mississippi River are alsc
a focal point for parks and recreation areas.
Along the Mississippi River are Hastings Park*
Commissary Point Picnic Area, Colville Park, and Bay City
Picnic Grounds. Frontenao State Park, located in Goodhue
County, Minnesota, is the site of the State's first summer
resort. Nearby is the famed Maiden Rock, in Wisconsin, a
site that attracts many visitors.
Access to the Mississippi River above Lake Pepin
to Prescott, Wisconsin, is soaewhat restricted by the rail-
roads which form iron bands binding the river on either side.
However, the proposed development of the Great River Road
should provide easier access to this entire scenic stretch
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42
J. M. Radenaoher
from Preseott, Wisconsin, through Lake Pepin. An increasing
demand for quality water to satisfy the developing recreational
uaea can be expected.
Waste disposal is also a use.
The Mississippi River in this area receives over
a billion gallons of waste water dally including sewage,
industrial process water and cooling water.
SOURCES OF WASTES
Where do these wastes come from?
Municipal Wastes
There are 29 municipal sewage treatment plants in
the area. Treatment provided ranges from primary to a
complete secondary process followed by stabilization ponds.
The treatment plants serve an estimated total population of
1,192,000. Of this population, the two major plants - the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District and South St. Paul -
on the Mississippi River serve 89 percent of the total, or
1,061,000. A total of 200 million gallons per day of sewage
is discharged to the area's waters by the 29 treatment plants
Of this, approximately 178 MQD or 89.3 percent are discharged
from the MSSD and South St. Paul plants.
Federal Installations
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J. N. Rad«n«®iier
Incidentally, there are three Federal installatloas
that reportedly d law barge treated wastes to the surface water i
of the Twin Cities area. There are many combined sewage over
flows in the collecting systems in the Twin Cities are*. Ove:
80 storm water overflow points reported In the Twin Cities
area are capable of discharging to the Mississippi River. Scs^e
of these sewers discharge pollutlonal material on a more or
less continuous basis while the majority discharge Intermit-
tently.
It Is difficult to assess the pollutlonal effects
of storm water overflows on receiving waters because there
has not been sufficient study of either the characteristics
of the overflows or of the effects on receiving waters during
periods of overflow to develop factors that may be used In
such evaluations.
Industrial Wastes
Seventeen Industrial plants discharge process
wastes directly to the main stem of the Mississippi River.
Principal waste constituents are oils, phenols, ammonia,
oxygen demanding materials* and suspended solids. Moat of the
plants have some type of waste treatment or control but oil
spills have occurred as the result of product handling and
oil transfer operations from time to tine.
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J. N. Radeaecimr
Twelve industries discharge wastes to tht
Minnesota River between Mankato ana the Miaaiaaippi Riva-r.
Estimates on flow and specific waste constituents were not
available.
Thermal Sources
The principal sources of thermal pollution at the
present tine In the study area are the Riverside, High Bridge
and Black Dog Power Plants of the Northern State* Potter
Company; the Northwestern Refining Co.; St. Paul Antaonla
Products, Inc.; Great Northern Oil Co.; Minneapolis-St. Paul
Sanitary District Plant; and the South daint .'aul Sewage
Treatment Plant.
Within the foreseeable future, the thermal load
on the river will be increased with the addition of the
proposed Northern States Power Plants at Eed Rock and The
Prairie Island Plant at Red Wing. An estimate of the magni-
tude of discharges of wastes from coramereial barge and
pleasure boat traffic is difficult to assess. The sewage
from these craft, combined with other discharges such aa
bilge punpages, garbage and litter, presents an increasing
problem.
Agriculturally speaking, the waters of the
Miaaiaaippi River within the area covered by this report are
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J, ML
bordered by approximately 200 mi3*s of ahox* lint* mefe of
which IB devoted to parks, forests* and ijaprovad acrteultaiB
land*. Steep bluff a are * predominant feature of thla area,
conducive to high rates of run-off whloh say c« *lvably
contain fractions of the more than 55*000 pesticide products
currently registered with the Federal Government. In addltlo4»
the Improved farmlands and lawn areas are potential sources
of nutrients contributed to the waters. Ho data are available
as to the extent of these contributions or the effects of the
nutrient levels on the river system.
Bulk: Storage Areas, Pipelines and Barges
Major oil spills on the Minnesota River in the
winter of 1962 were of paramount Importance in the recent
delegation of authority to the Minnesota Water Pollution
Control Commission by the 1963 legislature to prohibit storage
without proper safeguards of any liquids which could cause
pollution of waters.
While above-ground storage facilities create a
potential hazard to nearby water courses, they are by no
means the only potential problem. Throughout the country in
recent times such disasters as the sinking of barges contain-
ing items from chlorine to rye have occurred; oil transfer
lines have ruptured during unloading operations; and heating
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J. H, fladeauefeer
colls within tanks have separated causing damaging *ubstaiio«»
to be discharged to the watercourse. These are mil items
which can have far-reaching effect* and for which ooctroi is
difficult. Another problem is the inadequate diking of waste
lagoons adjacent to water courses subject to periodic floodin
Within the area described here* there exist some
33 barge terminals and barge cleaning operations and bulk
storage facilities. To this potential must be added the
possible hazard generated by the hundreds of tons of gasoline
and other petroleum products transported by barges during the
year. The Corps of Engineers estimates that possibly 5 per-
cent of the barges in this traffic would develop as "leakers,
during the year.
Other Pollution Sources
In addition to the major rivers within the area
covered by this report* there are at least 15 small tributary
streams contributing to the overall water quality picture.
Slight as these sources seem, it must be realised that some
of these small watersheds incorporate industrial and urban
areas while others accept drainage from cultivated farm lands
small settlements, and individual homesites.
A major consideration of this report is the
effects of wastes on water quality and water uses.
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J, M. Rad4H&«@h*x*
With knowledge of the sources of *»*t*c In the
conference area at well as information on such Mater qualify
indices as oollfora bacteria, bio-chemical oxygen demand,
dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, suspended solids, etc.*
an assessment may be made of the effects on the existing and
potential uses of the waters in the area. The following
section outlines these effects insofar as information is
available for a reasonable evaluation.
COLIFORM BACTERIA
Minnesota's basic guide for bathing or swimming
waters has a limiting value for oollfona density although
this may vary depending upon the results of a sanitary survey,
The upper limit is a "most probable manber" of 1,000 eoli-
fonns per 100 ml as determined by the arithmetic average of
coliform counts during any one month of the recreation season
According to many State and interstate pollution
control agencies, waters used for swimming and water contact
sports should not average more than 1,000 MFNAOO ml total
coliform bacteria and those used for general recreation
should not average more than 5,000 MPNAOO ml.
In this report, ooliform concentration data*
supplied by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District for
1962, were used. The information was reported in terns of
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48
J. N.
•olifome per oublo centiaeter, using the pres»aptive test
only. Since most standards for quality with respect to this
India* are reported in terms of oollforas per 100 ml, the
data was adjusted to this format.
There are various ways to depict the oollfom
bacteria levels. One way is to look at the chart on the
screen* Figure 6 relates the maximum monthly arithmetical
average at various stations along the river. This is
represented by the shaded areas. The awimmlng indlce of
1^000 ooli-100 ml is indicated by the solid black circle In
the center of each one of those* and the general recreation
indice of 5*000 coliAOG ml by the open circle.
As you can see* these coliform levels for the
year- 1962 reach 13*000 in the zone above St. Anthony's Falls,
climbs to 310*000 at Ft. Snelling Bridge; gets a maxlmun shot
of 43,000 from the Minnesota River and reaches a maximum at
Inver drove Bridge 6 miles below the MSSD and City of South
St. Faul with a count of 2,80O,OOO. The "die away" for these
conform or sewage bacteria can be seen in the drop in
density all the way down to Lalce Fepin opposite Lake City,
Minnesota.
The St. Croix River is in good condition on the
basis of the coliform levels reported, as is the outlet of
Lake Popln.
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49
J. M. Rademaohcr
In a more dramatic sense, Figure 7 pictures the
maximum oollform concentrations in a single drop of water.
Anyone ingesting a single drop of water with a coliforra
density of 1,600,000 collforas/100 ml as reported at the Ft.
Swelling Bridge station would swallow about 800 of these
sewage bacteria.
In the interstate section of the river with
counts as high as 130,000 coliforms/100 ml at Loetc and Dam
Mo. 3. 97,OOO collforms/lOO ml at Red Wing and 24,OOO at
Frontenac, each drop of water sprayed into a boater's mouth
or swallowed by a swimmer or wauer skier would have the
possibility of 65, 39» and 12 sewage bacteria being ingested,
respectively.
It must be pointed out, however, that these
presumptive conform measurements are total counts and
Include all types of coliform, including non-fecal varieties.
As a result, any definitive stream survey should
include three test procedurest The total colifora test,
which has been reported here; the fecal coliform test, as a
supplement to the total coliform test, to pinpoint the con-
forms that come from soil erosion; and the fecal streptococci
test.
BOD - FIVE DAY
The total five-day BOD, bio-chemical cxygen
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J. M.
demand, from all sources of s*w*g» i» *«tfca*t*d to fe*
mately 245,430 pounds per day, Of this* 238,190 pounds par
day, or 97.1 percent, were discharged directly to the
Mississippi River. The MSSD plant accounted for 209,000
pounds per day, or 85.1 peroent. The South St. Paul Treataen
Plant discharged an estimated 27,000 pounds per day, or 11.0
percent .
A virtual total depletion of dissolved oxygen for
a 7.5 mile stretch of the river from below the MSSD outfall
to the vicinity of the Great Northern Oil Company barge slip
was reported in the 1960-61 survey. Data from the MSSD river
sampling program for that period confirmed these conditions.
SOLISS AHP SLUDGE DEPOSITS
Sludge deposits are c cannon for the entire distant
of 21.2 miles from the MSSD plant outfall to the Hastings Dam
These deposits were reported as ranging up to
4.5 feet in depth and varying in consistency from a thick
black stictymass to a sand -sludge mixture. The most active
area in terms of sludge decomposition, as would be expected,
was in the four miles below the MSSD outfall. These condi-
tions originally surveyed in 1959 generally agreed with
conditions found by the Department of Health in their 196!
investigations.
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51
J. M.
During these investigations, the river was reported
as being highly colored with solids characteristic of packing
house wastes in particular.
From a biological standpoint the presence of
tubifex worms (a sludge worm) and various forms of small
shell life were the only forms of aquatic flora and fauna
reported.
A continuing assessment of the biological
character of the river, and the sludge deposits is needed
!
for the entire river stretch under consideration. Identlfioaf
tion of the industrial sources of both organic and inorganic
solids should also be made* because of the lack of recent
data in some eases.
OIL
One dramatic effect of oil pollution is its
killing power on aquatic and wildlife. This has been very
vividly described earlier by Governors Reynolds and Rolvaag.
One other effect of the oil spill was the poly-
merization of the soy oil which resulted in the formation of
spongy "blankets," or "ropes," which were eicher deposited
on the beds of the rivers and lakes or were blown onto the
shores. The beach at Bay City, Wisconsin, in particular, is
still apparently feeling the effects of this pollution.
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52
J. M. Radenufccher
The problem of accident*! oil spills i» a
continuing one and major step* must be taken from both a
legal and preventive control standpoint.
ALQAE
Wastes containing nitrogen and phosphorus
(fertilizers) pollute our waters and contribute to the
increase of certain organism populations. Organism popula-
tions reach such magnitudes that water uses are interfered
with and nuisances are created.
As reported in the State of Minnesota 1960-1961
survey, both phosphorous and total nitrogen increased four-
fold as the river passed through the Metropolitan complex.
The present and future effects on the total water
resource of the area should be determined with respect to
these Important water quality indices which may contribute
or trigger the growth of nuisanee blooms of algae.
TASTES AHD ODORS
Over the years, a continuing complaint reaching
the Minnesota Department of Conservation has been the off-
tastes of fish caught in various stretches of the Mississippi
River in the Twin Cities area. These reports have mainly
concerned fish taken in the reach above the Hastings Dan with
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53
J. N. Bad«n*0h«r
occasional complaint^ easing from as far south as Red Wing
and Lake- Ptpln.
A wide variety of substances has been suggested
as agents producing tastes and odors in water and off-flavor
tn fish flash. The better known compounds Include ph»nollo0,
marcaptana, and other complex aromatic organic substances,
Not to be dismissed, thov^h, IB the taste and odor producing
capability of many algal forme.
Evaluations of taste and odor problems in the
Mississippi Elver in the Twin Cities area have been attempted
in the past but no formal report vms developed and the result
were apparently Inconclusive.
The need for an intensive review of this water
quality problem is necessary in the development of an overall
water quality control program*
PESTICIPJSS
Estimates on total poundage of the various pesti-
cides, weedIcidea and other exotic control compounds used in
the Twin Cities are are not available. Effects on water
quality in the Minnesota, Mississippi, and St. Crolx Rivers
from these agents have yet to be assessed.
TEMPERATURE
Temperature effects resulting from both present
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5*
J. M.
and future thermal loads 0n tb* Mississippi and Minnesota
Rivers' waste assimilation capacities in terns of dissolved
oxygen during critical period 0 of flow have been analysed by
the university of Minnesota for the M88D. However, the long
term effects of high river water temperature* on the biota of
the streams have not been fully evaluated.
CONTROL ACTVITIES OF STATE
The Wisconsin Committee on Water Pollution and tin
Minnesota Water Pollution Control Ccamalaalon adopted a Joint
resolution concerning waste treatment requirements for inter-
state waters of the St. Croix, and Upper Mississippi Rivers
and their tributaries In 1953.
The two State water pollution control agencies
have worked with municipalities and Industries to accomplish
the objectives of the joint resolution.
Of primary Importance in the control of water
quality In this area has been the adoption in March 1963»by
the Michigan Water Resources Coomlasion, of classification
standards for the Mississippi River and its tributaries in
the stretch from the Rum River to Hastings, Minnesota, Es-
sentially, the classification program provides for three zooei
of varying use and quality. These range from the highest
uses, including public water supply and swlnmlng, in toe son*
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55
froo the RIM Riv*r to st. jmttoongr f»ll»* to «at«x»i for
recreational, Indus trial and ©erasers tal use In ttot zone from
St. Anthony Falls to th» outfall of the M8SD plant j and
finally, to the third KOSIO from the M8SD plant outfall to ti*
Hastings Dam which allow® use for Industrial proett*0 and
general cooling, stock watering, restricted irrigation,
disposal of treated wastes, fish survival and very limited
recreational activities.
QOMCLUSIONS
In suranary, this examination of the one hundred
and seven mile stretch of uhe Mississippi River extending
from the Juno t ism with the Rum Elver above the Minneapolis- j
St. Paul Metropolitan Area downstream to the outlet of the
interstate waters of Lake Pep In leads to two major conclusions
1. Despite the efforts of the water pollution control
agencies of Minnesota and Wisconsin and construc-
tion of waste treatment facilities by the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Stnitary District, South
St. Paul and other communities, the effeets of
pollution on this stretch of water are 00 great
as to require remedial action.
2. certain basio problem* require further study. These
problems range from an evaluation of all pxwsant
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56
J. M. H»d«raacher
important sources of w*ate« to a promotion of
the Impact of future discharges upon the water
resourcea of thl§ area.
Thle section of the Mississippi and the near-by
sections of the Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers are used for
municipal and industrial water supply, navigation, power
generation, pleasure boating, swimming, coraaerclal and re-
creational fishing, and waste disposal.
Wastes discharged directly to the Mississippi
include about 190 million gallons from treated municipal
sources and at least another 20 million gallons from industrial
process sources each day. The Minnesota River receives and
delivers to the Mississippi about 2k million gallons of
treated and untreated municipal and industrial wastes daily.
Over three-quarters of a billion gallons of river water each
day are used for cooling purposes.
There are 29 municipal sewage treatment plants in
the area serving a total population of more than 1 million
persons. These plants discharge 200 million gallons of
treated sewage each day. Almost all of the sewage is dis-
charged from two plants - the Minneapolls-St. Paul Sanitary
District and the City of South St. Paul.
Seventeen industries, processing a wide variety
of products, discharge treated and untreated waste* directly
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57
J* M-
to tfc* MississiptsS Atvwr* Prinaipfcl «t»»tit*»at» «r« oil,
phenols* aasaonla, o*3g*n^«uaii2%]ing materials* and suspended
solids. In addition, t*»lv» J.ortusi»ri*s dl*eh*rg* mstas to
the Minnesota River iri Us* »tx«beli from H»nk*to, Mlime*ot&,
to the mouth, TJ» dtTOfua^e of njl ilwm w««t«»* both
municipal and Ii&du8tirial# :Uuluen««t» water quality.
Minnesota1 1» basio ^uide for bathing or swimming
waters requires as an upper limit an arithmetic average
"most probable number" of 1,CXX) uallforraa/100 «5/ urlng any-
one month of the recreational season, although this is subjec
to variance depending upon the i^oBults of a sanitary survey.
The monthly average conform counts for 1962 above St.
Anthony Falls were 7*700 Hiju/100 wl in July; 8lO,CXX) MPNAOO
ml for September at Port SnelXliig bridge above the Minnesota
Rlverj 43,OOO MFN/100 ml Isi fcbo illnnesota River during
September, 1962; and six mile a below the Minneapolis^^. Paul
Sanitary District MSSD outfall collforra levels during August
averaged 2,100,000 MPN/10O ml. Mgh levels were also found
in the interstate stretch of the Mississippi River below
Presoott, Wisconsin, and Hastings, Minnesota, at Diamond
Bluff, and at Red Wing. Even at Frontienao, Minnesota, on
Lake Pep in the average conforms for the month of July 1962
reached 9,100 MPN/100 ml. On the other hand the St. Crolx
River appeared to be In good condition based upon available
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58
J. M
bacteriological Information. For m&m atntelM of the
Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers for whloh data are available
the collform counts for intimate water contact sports always
exceeded normally acceptable levels.
This excessive bacterial contamination presents a
health hazard to recreational users on the Mississippi River
from above St. Anthony Falls to Lake Pep In as well as to
who use the Minnesota River. Despite these health hazards,
thousands of pleasure boaters and hundreds of water skiers
use the waters of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
Raw sewage and surface run-off from almost eighty
diversion structures on the combined sewage collection system^
overflow at various u lutes throughout the metropolitan area.
They add to the hazard of bacterial contamination and produce
visual nuisances on the surface of the water.
Oil from Industrial sources and particularly from
the recent accidental spills from storage facilities has
killed thousands of ducks, fouled boats, and caused unsightly
scum on the waters and beaches over wide areas. Most of the
oil pollution results from oil leaks and spills with minimum
amounts contributed by bilge puopage from tow boats.
Fishermen, both sport and commercial, have been
plagued on a continuing basis with tainted flesh In fish
taken from the waters of the Mississippi River. The effects
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59
J. M. Rademaeen reported In a limited biological Investigation.
Feeding and spawning grounds for fish propagation are elimina-
ted by the deposition of sludge.
The effect of water temperature is a water quality
factor to be considered in the metropolitan area. Evaluations
have been made on the relationship of water temperature to
dissolved oxygen in terms of waste assimilation capacities of
the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The long term effects
on the biota of the streams, however, as well as the more
subtle effects on various chemical constituents of the river
water have yet to be fully assessed.
Some of the problems requiring further study are
evident.'
* Studies of all important sources of waste
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60
J. N.
should be undertaken to that the pollutlonal
effeota of eaoh can toe evaluated and acted upon.
* Tht specific Industrial mid other sourees of
wastes on the Minnesota Elver should be deter-
mined In like fashion.
* The overall effects of storm water overflows
should be further evaluated.
* The effect of sludge deposits on bottom organisms
which serve as a link In the fish food chain
should be Investigated further,
* The sources of all bacterial contamination of the
Mississippi River should be Identified. This
should Involve special quantitative studies of
the possible fecal nature of the collforms presen
* More thorough evaluation of uhe nutrient load
and Impact on undesirable algae production
should be made.
* The links between water quality and off taste In
fish flesh should be Identified.
* Finally, the projection of the Impact of present
and future waste sources upon the area water
quality Is a matter requiring high priority If
area water resources are to be used to their
maximum.
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J, M
It i* evident that pollution of tfc* waters of the
Mississippi River, and significant tributaries in Minnesota
and Wisconsin within the MInneapoUs-St , Paul Metropolitan
Area and downstream into Lake Pep in* oauee® hazards to iieslth
or welfare of persona using these watera, and as such is
Bub.Ject to enforcement under provisloi:s of ufae Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 466 et.seq,).
(:lhe xvrltten repoi't prepared by Mr. Rademacher
is as follows ;^
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62
J. M. Hadtmacher
FOREWORD
This is a technical report on pollution problems
on the Mississippi River in an area from the Juncture of
the Mississippi River with the Rum River above the
Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan complex through the Lake
Pepln outlet, one hundred and seven miles downstream. The
significant tributaries to the Mississippi River, the
Minnesota and St. Croix Rivera are included in view of their
possible influence on Mississippi River water quality. The
purpose of this report, which is based on available data
obtained from State and local groups, is to examine and
report on the uses made of the area's waters and on the
existing sources of pollution.
The cooperation provided by these agencies,
particularly the Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commis-
sion and the Wisconsin Committee on Water Pollution, in
supplying the necessary information and in the review of
drafts of the text for factual content should be recognized.
The report considers the quality characteristics
of the water as they exist today, and evaluates the effects
of waste discharges on water quality and water uses. The
report contains conclusions thought to be Justified on the
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63
J. M. Rademaoher
basis of information presently available, and suggests ar«aa
In which additional inveatlgatlona are needed.
BACKQROUKD
In letters from Governor Karl A. Rolvaag of
Ninneaota and Governor John W. Reynolds of Wisconsin to
Secretary Anthony J. Celebrezze of the Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare on September 9, 1963, a request was
made for action to abate pollution in the area as provided
in the enforcement provisions of Section 8 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.).
In response to the request or the Governors,
on September 23, 1953* Secretary Celebrezze sent letters
calling for a conference in accordance with Section 8 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.)
in the natter of pollution of the waters of the Mississippi
River and its tributaries to official water pollution control
agencies for the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
A formal public announcement of the conference and
the initiation of a pollution study was made by the late
President., John F. Kennedy, in a speech at Ashland, Wisconsir
on September 2k, 1963.
Two major oil spills on the Minnesota River
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64
J. ML Rademacher
during the winter of 1962-63 resulted In the fouling of
th« Minnesota and MissIBSippi Rivers for a distance of over
100 miles and in the killing of several thousand duoks and
other birds during the spring migration. Though these
spills Mere recognized as accidental and extraordinary*
they triggered an awareness of the overall pollution problems
In the Mississippi River which work an economic hardship on
the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin in terms of recrea-
tion and clean water for other purposes.
THE AREA
The States of Minnesota and Wisconsin are regarded
as prime water playgrounds of the Middle West and the Nation.
The Mississippi River has its origin in Minnesota and forms
a coauson boundary between the two States as it wends its
way to the Gulf of Mexico. This river is a natural present
and future resource for both States.
The Conference Area, a very important segment of
this river complex, extends from the mouth of the Rum River
in Minnesota to the outlet of Lake Pepin. A distance of
approximately 107 miles along the main stem of the Mississipp
River is covered. The lower reaches of the Minnesota and
St. Crolx Rivera, which are tributary to the main stem, are
-------
6*
J, ft,
alfto Included within the Conference Area. !
The m»ei*siippl River within thi» reach hat six !
slack water poola foraed by daroe across the river constructed.
i
for navigation and/or power purposes. With the jooBpletior
of the St. Anthonv Falls 1x5 ok In September 196^ by the
Corps of Engineers, navigation ;n a nine-foot channel is ,
poaaibie through- the entire metropolitan area, Physically, ;
the Mississippi River is a st-jdy in contrast. Entering the !
metropolitan ?i^e» th*- r'ver d-ops rap-dly with a 30-foot '
fall at Coon Rapids Dans, 7!3 feet mere at the St. Anthony ;
Falls in dov>!rtcw< MJ rjneapo! ' & , nrvj another- i? feet at
the Twin Cities iac* ?*: ••} -«rr •(.•„ ; sorce six v> ~ lea further-
downstream Frosr this point r. r;» r: ver crops only 20 feet
!
in the remaining HS miles cc, t.he outlet of Lake Pepin. ;
^
i
Within this latter stret •]. -. :\!.- XJ nneaota River joins the main;
atera some nine miles below Lock and Daro No. 1 and the ;
i
interstate St. -Jroix H'ver combines with the Mississippi j
River about forty-one rr,;,1ea below the sane dam to continue [
that common boundary betweer, w'sconaln and Minnesota. !
Lake Dep:ln covevs tre last twenty-two~mile stretch ;
of the river und-?r considyrRf " en. Whereas the controlled ',
backwater lake* -^T-ed .jy "'he -Saws at Red Wing and Hastings ;
t
are relatively shallow, Lake ?*ptn has an average depth of 't
\
25 to 35 feet throughout it* wain portion. The lake's
-------
J. M. Rademaoher
beauty rivals many other natural assets of the two States,
which share it.
The uses of the particular stretch of the Upper
Mississippi River described are governed by people and their
activities. Twelve counties — nine In Minnesota and
three in Wisconsin — have direct Influences on the
Mississippi River and Its main tributaries, the Minnesota
and St. Crolx Rivers. All of these excepting Carver and
Scott Counties in Mlnneaota and St. Crolx County in
Wisconsin border on the main stem of the Mississippi River.
On the basis of the I960 Census, the population
of these 12 counties was 1,63*»,?28. Portions of or all of
seven Minnesota counties (Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey,
Washington, Dakota, Scott, and Carver) comprise the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area with a I960 population
of 1,525,297. The downriver areas are relatively sparsely
populated in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. However, the
picture for this entire area will be drastically changed if
the estimates of the demographers and economists are even
approximated. They feel that this area will have almost thre
million people by the year 2000, if present trends continue.
All these additional waste producers, with all their
supporting commercial and industrial activities, will have
available for use the river with no change In volume.
A wide variation in flows is experienced over
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67
J, M. Rademaeher
the year* by the Mlaaiaelppl River. Th* following table
prepared from information collected by the U. S. Geological
Survey refleota the Minimum, maximum, and average flow
conditions In terma of cubic feet of water per aecond.
The Miaaiaaippi River, aa well as the St. Croix and
Mlnneaota River, are to some extent affected by upstream
atorage reaervoira, from which water la released for such
purpoaea aa flood control, power and navigation.
TABLE 1
STREAM FLOW DATA IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND
Location of
Gaging
Station
of Year
of
Record
da Dan 28
Minn. 61
Wlac. 31
Average
Flow
6,903
9,832
Hi, 810
Maximum
Flow
75,900
125,000
155 , 000
Minimum
Flow
586
632
1,380
(Figurea 2, 3 and 4 are aa follower)
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68
H
• Northern Stales Power Co -8674
Hydro-Electric Plant
M
I N N
S 0 T A
• Minneapolis 8 Fridley
Water Filtration Plants-861 0
Northern States Power
Riverside Station -859 0
PAU L
^T ANTHONY FALLS
LOCK 8 DAM
•S3.8
LOCKS 8) DAM NO
8477
8477
Ford Motor Co
Hydro-Elec Plant
Northern States
Power High
Bridge Plant
840 5
INVERGROVE-
S.T.P
830 3
Rahr Malting Co
{MINNESOTA
"• SHAKOPEE ST. P-350
LEGEND
Northern States Power Co
Blackdog Plant - 8.4
H S T P - Sewage Treatment Plant
•
• •*- - Sources of Industrial Wastes
6610 -River Mileage
0 4
SCALE
SAVAGE S.T.P-13 9
.Cargill Inc. Vegetable
OilDiv. - 13 9
Mll*f
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS ft
SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES
FROM RUM RIVER TO MINN. RIVER
TWIN CITIES- UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
US. DEPT OF HEALTH. EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO,ILLINOIS
FI6URE 2
-------
STILLWATER:
S.T.P
330
MINNESOTA
BAYPORTJ
ST.P
200
S.T.P
Wright Produces
8290
832 5
O.ST. PAUL-S.T.P
8300
' • Northwestern
Refining Co
ST. PAUL PK-S.T. P
8296
General Dynamics Corp
St Paul Ammonia
Products Corp 8240
Greut Northern oiT
Northwest Cooperative
Mills Inc
LEGEND
B S.T.P = Sewage Treatment riant
• *- - Sources of industrial ui jtes
8250 - River Mileage
HUDSON
ST.F
164
PRESCOTT-
S.T.P ei 10
Mfg Co
HA§TTINp35 HAST.NGS
8136 '
8132
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS a
1 SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES
FROM MINN. RIVER TO ST. CROIX RIVER
TWIN CITIES -UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
Mlltl
SCALE
US DEPT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
FIGURE 3
-------
WISCONSIN
DIAMOND BLUFF
790 5
RED WING-S.TP
S B Foote Tanning Co •—
789 0
Northern Stoles Power Co
789 4
MAIDEN ROCK
MINNESOTA
LAKE CITY-S.tP.^ "2-
772 6
LEGEND-
| Sewage Treatment Plant
•—*• — Sources of Industrial Wastes
789 0 —*ver Mileage
WABASHA
O
SCALE
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS 8
SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES
BELOW ST. CROIX R. TO L. PEPIN OUTLET
TWIN CITIES-UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
US DEPT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
P'JBL'C HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
70
FIGURE 4
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n
J. M. Rademacher
WATER USES
In any Metropolitan ar«a the proper disposal of
sewage and Industrial waste* Is essential. Practical uses
of Mater for public and industrial supplies, navigation,
commercial fisheries, or stock watering are continuing
necessities. In addition, the demands of today include such
uses of water as fish and wildlife propagation, and water-
oriented recreational activities. This latter use includes
boating, water skiing, sport fishing, camping, swimming,
picnicking, and aesthetics. In a State which offers as
slogans "The Land of 10,000 Lakes" or "The Land of Sky-
Blue Waters," the emphasis on water-oriented recreation has
great significance, particularly In the Minneapolis-St.
Paul area.
Municipal Water Supply
At this time the only use made of the Mississippi
River system in this area for municipal water supply is In
the upper reach of the river above St. Anthony Palls. How-
ever, it is of major significance, since the City of
Minneapolis obtains all of its water from this source while
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72
J. M. Rademaeher
the City of St. Paul obtains a aajor supplement froa the
rivtr for its Vadnals Lake system. These systems supply a
number of suburban users in addition to the principal
cities. At the present time the annual average daily with-
drawal from the river for the two cities is approximately
75 million gallons per day, with an estimated maximum with-
drawal during any one day reaching about 200 MOD. About 58
percent of the people living in the metropolitan area are
served by the two supplies.
Future adequacy of supply for the Twin Cities is
discussed in a publication of the Minnesota Department of
Conservation, "Water Resources of the Minneapolis-St. Paul
Metropolitan Area," Bulletin No. 11. In this report, the
Department of Conservation estimates that by I960 a minimum
flow of 1,000 cfs in the Mississippi would not be able to
meet the combined requirements for public water supply
(est. 310 cfs. average with a 620 cfs maximum), navigation
(350 cfa required to operate the locks at St. Anthony Falls),
the Riverside power plant (3^0 cfs) and hydroelectric power
generation. Under these conditions of flow (1,000 cfs) and
use, the hydroelectric power plants at St. Anthony Falls
would not be able to operate.
The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have
Investigated supplemental sources of surface water supply
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73
J. M. Radesjacher
and have concentrated on the St. Crolx River and even Lake
Superior as poaaibllltlea. With a variety of factory
including suitable water quality to consider, the Interstate
stretch of the Mississippi River has not been a serious
contender as a source of supply.
Industrial and Commercial Water Supply
The metropolitan area Is supported by a variety
of water-using industries Including meat packing, brewing,
paper products, petroleum refining, milling, mineral and
rubber products industries, as well as chemical and allied
products industries. Almost 70 percent of the water used
by industry Is ground water. Of the surface water used by
industry over 99 percent is supplied by the Minneapolis and
St. Paul municipal systems. Over 126 MOO is used by
commerce and Industry in the Twin Cities area.
Power - Steam and I^drojelectrlc generation
Steam power plants on the Mississippi and
Minnesota Rivers In the immediate area of the Twin Cities
are the biggest users of water with almost four times the
water use of the municipalities and Industries combined.
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7*
J. N. Rade«aoher
Almost 868 NOD waa the average dally use by the two plant*
located on the Mlaalaalppl River and one plant on the
Minnesota River In 1961, all of which la returned to the
stream at a higher temperature. The capacity of each of
these plants, in addition to power planta located at
Mankato, Minnesota, and Red Wing, Minnesota, are described
In the following table,.
(Table 2 Is as follows:)
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75
TABLE 2
STEAM AND HYDRO-ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANTS
ON THE MISSISSIPPI AND MINNESOTA RIVERS
Twin Cities Area
NAME
AND GENERATING * MAXIMUM RIVER *
LOCATION CAPACITY (KW) INTAKE (MGD)
Steam Plants
Mississippi River
Riverside Plant 502,300 (196U) 1*90
High Bridge Plant U60,900 U62
Red Wing Plant 25,000 5^
Minnesota River
Mankato Plant (Wilmarth Plant) ?5,000 36
Black Dog Plant 260,000 396
Hydro-Electric Plants
Coon Rapids Dam 8,2^0 U,2OO MGD
Upper St. Anthony Falls (Main St. Plant) 960 ~"1
Upper St. Anthony Falls(Hennepin Island r 2,600 MGD
Plant) 9,900 _)
Lower St. Anthony Falls 8,000 3>6oo MGD
Ford Unit - Lock and Dam #1 13,930 3,880 MGD
* This information has been obtained from Bulletin No. 11 of the Minnesota
State Department of Conservation, Division of Water. (MGD - million
gallons per day)
** Data obtained from "Pollution and Recovery Characteristics of the
Mississippi River", M.S.S.D. p. l6?.
-------
J. M. Aadewaoher
At this tin* only the Black Dog plant of the
Northern Statea Power Company haa a cooling pond to reduce
the thermal load on the Minnesota River and to aerve aa a
reaervolr during critical perloda of low river flow.
An expansion of major proportions at the Riveraide
Plant la underway and is scheduled for completion in 1964.
Within the next few years (1970) the flrat unit of a
1,000,000 KW plant will be built on the Mississippi River
below the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District waate
treatment plant. Initially, It will have a capacity of
500,000 KW. Known as the R. P. Pack plant, it will have a
counterpart, the Prairie Island Plant, built in the aucceedin
decade at Red Wing, Minnesota. It also will have a capacity
of 1,000,000 KW.
The hydroelectric power generation capacity is
limited to the upper section of the Mississippi River above
its Juncture with the Minnesota River. The total hydro-
electric generating capacity la only about 4 percent of the
total steam power plant capacity in the area. With increased
municipal and navigational demands for water above the
falls, operation of these hydroelectric units will be limited
during low stream flows.
Commercial Fishing
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J. M. Rademaoher 77
Over the years millions of pound! of flah have
been harvested by commercial f ishewsm on the Mississippi
River. Complete records are available In the Annual Reports
of the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Coswittee on
size and variety of catches in all pools of the interstate
sections of the river starting with Pool Number 3 above Red
Wing, Minnesota.
Lake Pepln in Pool Number 4 has always been a
major source of marketable fish. During 1961, for example,
the total commercial catch for Pool *t was 1,736,714 pounds,
valued at over $81,000. Pool 3> on the other hand, had a
total commercial catch of 10U,l80 pounds,valued at about $4,0
Carp is the predominant specie in the commercial catch and
amounted to 9^.5 percent of the total in Pool 3 and 93
percent in Pool 4.
Although specie variation and catch are influenced
by such factors as canalization of the river, market demands
and various other technical factors and needs involved in
the commercial fishery operation, the quality of water also
has a significant bearing on the matter. Along with other
biological factors, the dominance of rough fish within a
stream sector la used as one of the Indicators of poor water
quality by the aquatic biologists. Carp are considered
representative of the more pollution-tolerant species of
rough fish. Within the limitations cited, a general
X).
-------
J. N. Rademaoher
78
impression of ths Mississippi River Bay t>« developed by
comparing the ratio of carp to the total commercial catch
during 1961 proceeding downstream on a pool-by-pool basis,
as follows:
Pool 3 -
Pool 4 -
Pool 5&5a -
Pool 6 -
Pool 7 -
Pool 8 - 53# (Lacrosse, Wisconsin, located
on this pool)
Pool 9 - 50$
There Is no commercial fishing in Pool 1. The
Minnesota Department of Conservation reports that the average
annual commercial catch for the 1959-62 period was 330,955
pounds in Pool 2.
In waters common to the States of Minnesota
and Wisconsin in Pool 3 through Pool 8, 88# of the commercial
catch was caught by Wisconsin fishermen and 12# by Minnesota
commercial fishermen in 1961.
Stock Watering and Irrigation
Supplemental irrigation is practiced to a limited
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J. M. Rademaoher 79
extent in the Twin Cltlts area. Moat water for this purpose
is obtained frosi wells for the estimated 4,000 acres that
are under suoh control. Approximately 116 Billion gallons
of water per year arc used to Increase production of agri-
cultural crops in this Banner, according to the Minnesota
Conservation Department.
Stock watering in the area is reported to use
approximately 2 NOD. However, most stock-raising activity Is
off the naln stew of the Mississippi River except for an
area in the vicinity of Hastings, Minnesota.
Navigation
The Twin Cities complex is the headwaters port
for the Mississippi River and as such is a major marketing,
distribution and transportation center. Barge traffic on
the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivera, and to a minor degree
on the St. Croix River, account for millions of tons of
cargo shipped into and out of the area each year. Over 5
million tons of cargo were handled in the ports of
Minneapolis and St. Paul during 1963. With the completion
of the 9-foot channel above St. Anthony Falls in September
1963 and development of adequate docking facilities, the
Corps of Engineers estimates that over 2,000,000 tons of
cargo will be looked through the St. Anthony Palls Look
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J. M. R*de«a«her
80
•ach year.
These vessels transport primarily petroleua
products, coal, sand, gravel, grain and soybeans. Th« wattr-
has a normal operating season from late March to early
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
The Mississippi River is a prime source for a
wide variety of fish. The type and preponderance of the
fish population is in large part dictated by the habitat
of the stream and its v»ater quality. Factors such as stream
depth, canalization, commercial traffic, weed growth, food
sources, and spawning suitability affect habitat in general.
Water quality Includes such factors as dissolved oxygen
levels, temperature, turbidity, nutrient levels, as well
as chemical concentrations.
The species of fish in the stretch of the
Mississippi River under consideration range from game to
rough. They Include walleyed pike, northern pike, large-
inouth and smalltnouth bass, panfish and a great variety of
rough fish doalnated by carp.
The bulk of the game fish are found in the
St. Croix River, in Lake Pepln, in Pool 3 above Red Wing,
and in the section above St. Anthony Fails. Carp, a rough
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81
J. If., RadcHMcher
fi»h. Is reported to be a dominant specie in most sections,
It i* reported by the Minnesota Department of Conservation
that on the baa is of a 1956 survey, garrs« fish In the
Hastings Pool (L.&D. #?) were roughly half as abundant as
In the Red Wing Pool (L.ftD. #3).
Wildfowl
The Mississippi River is a major artery in !
the continental system of flyways serving the wildfowl
migratiorw. Each year thousands of d-scks, geese, and other
migratory birds have made the:; ? si-rua" *;rek tv ar~d from the
\
!
northlancls using the Mississippi River as a way-station in I
t
i
their travels, !
The State of Minnesota has recogized the importance
of wildlife preservation in this area and has developed the
5,430-acrc Gores Pool Niunber 3 Gars« Refuge and Public
Hunting Grounds some six miles southeast of Hastings.
Of incidental iaportance is the mammoth Upper
Mississippi River Wildlife and Pish Refuge, which was
developed by the Federal Government, and extends some 28^4
»ll«s im»ediat»ly below the outlet of Lake Pepin. Although
not in the area specifically under review, this major wild-
life resource is dependent on good water quality. Like
-------
J. N. Rademaoher
the State gasMt refuge, it attract* aiany thousand! of
hunting enthuaiaate from tha Metropolitan araa. No praclaa
figure* are available of huntera or of birda bagged at
theee sporting reaourcea located at the hunter'* dooratep.
Recreation
The use of outdoor recreational facllltlea la
growing rapidly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. With the
nuBber of camper days in the State parks increasing 600
percent in the last five years as an indication, recreation
is the fourth largest industry in the State of Minnesota.
A similar pattern has been set in Wisconsin with an increase
froR 158,000 camper days in 1957 to 847,000 in 1962. As
an industry, recreation is in the top five for the State
of Wisconsin. Both Statea are exerting efforta to keep pace
with this growth.
In Wisconsin, the Outdoor Recreation Act of 1961
authorized a one cent tax on cigarettes for acqulaition of
lands for hunting, fishing, parka and other recreational
purposes. $100,000 have been authorized for planning for
recreational development within that State.
With this growth, in 1963 the Minnesota legis-
lature paaaed an Omnibus Natural Reaouroaa Bill* designed
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83
J. M. Rademacher
both to enlarge economic opportunities and Increase the
eltlz«n*s enjoyment of his leisure tine. A 196*1 law
allowing the use of a portion of unclaimed refundable
State gasoline tax for the acquisition, Improvement and
Maintenance of public access to the State's waters, was
an earlier step toward the development and expansion of
recreational facilities on the numerous waters of the State.
The citizens of the Twin Cities metropolitan area consider
these legislative actions as a method of expanding their
recreational facilities from inland lakes to the great
potential locations along such principal rivers as the
Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Crolx.
Swimming and Water Skiing
Swimming in the waters under consideration is
almost totally confined to the St. Croix River and Lake
Pepln. Lake Pepin has several fine beaches at Bay City,
Wisconsin, and Lake City, Minnesota, as well as resort
areas below Red Wing, Minnesota, and are regularly used by
swleasers. No estimates of their number are available. The
recreational use map indicates the locations of beaches in
the area.
The Increased horsepower available in today's
-------
on
J. N. Rademacher
marine outboard and inboard motors has given impetua to tht
•port of water skiing. It is particularly popular In th«
Twin Cities area of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The waters
of Lake Pepln and the expanses of open water created by the
backwaters of the dans provide an ever-increasing challenge
to the water skier. Skiers have also used the Mississippi
River below the Rum River for this particular sport.
Pleasure Boating
The popularity of pleasure boating in Wisconsin
and Minnesota is great and can be measured in many ways.
According to the Outdoor Boating Club, some 273,000 motors
were in use in Minnesota and 232,000 motors in use in
Wisconsin, for a total of 505,000 as of December 31, 1963.
In Minneapolis-St. Paul alone approximately 131,000 motors
were in use in this marketing area. Minneapolis is fifth
among the nation's leading cities in outboard motor sales
and motors in use. This represents a sizable boon to the
economy of the area, with millions of dollars invested in
boats, motors, accessories, insurance, docking, storage,
maintenance and repairs.
Pleasure boat marinas dot this waterway. The
major concentrations are located on the St. Croix River,
-------
RECREATIONAL USES
TWIN CITIES - UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
US. DEPT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
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86
J. M. Rademach«r
on th« Mississippi River at Pr«scott, Wisconsin, at
Hastings, and Red Wing,, Minnesota, and at Lake City,
Minnesota on Lake Pepin. Close Into the Twin Cities, marinas
have also been established on the Mississippi River below
Lock and Dan #1. Both public and private launching ramps
for trailered boats are sprinkled along the lower reaches
of the Mississippi River in Pool 2 and 3 and Lake Pepln.
A recreational use map shows that the St. Crolx River has
13 marinas and 15 launching ramps. The Minnesota River has
four marinas and 2 launching ramps. The Mississippi River
below Lock and Dam #3 to the confluence with the Minnesota
River has 3 marinas and 2 launching ramps. In the area
from the entrance of the Minnesota River to Lock and Dam #2,
at Hastings, 12 marinas and 8 launching ramps are located.
Prom Lock and Dam #2 to Lock and Dam #3* above Red Wing,
there are 7 marinas and 4 launching ramps primarily in the
Hastings and Prescott area. In the much frequented stretch
of the Mississippi from Lock and Dam #3 to the outlet of
Lake Pepin, 19 marinas and 13 launching ramps are In use.
The Metropolitan Area of Minneapolis-St. Paul
has hundreds of lakes which receive intensive use and have
their shores lined with homes. However, the needs have not
been satisfied and pressures are constant for more recrea-
i
tlonal waters within easy access.
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87
J. N. Hade*echer
VIth the completion of the St. Anthony falls
Lock* the entire stretch of the Mississippi River to Coon
Rapids Turn is accessible for boating. The Minnesota River
ia alao navigable for pleasure boating for a distance of 25
•lies to Shakopee, Minnesota. The St. Crolx la a prime
area for recreational boating of all types.
The relative use of the pools can be gauged from
lockage counts. In the report, "Pleasure boats through
Locks - Mississippi River, St. Paul District," by the U. S.
Array Engineer District, St. Paul, ?t. Paul, Minnesota,
the 1962 figures were for St. Anthony Palls Lock, 1 boat;
for Lock #1, 959 boats, for Lock #2, 4,270 boats; for Lock
#3, 4.501 boatsj and for Lock #4, 3,943 boats.
Sports Pishing
Pishing is an important recreational activity in
the Minneapolis-St. Paul to Lake Pepln area both in suswer
and winter. Studiea on sport fishing conducted In areas
similar to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area have shown as
•any as 75 percent of all available boats were used for
fishing. On that basis, it appeara that as aany as 100,000
boats BMiy be used for fishing in this area.
A further indication of sports fishing interest
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88
J. M. RadeMcher
is the number of fishing licenses issued in the several
counties included in the area. During the past year, the
total number of persons using licenses was 37*1,420, or
alnost 23 percent of the resident population, A breakdown
by county follows:
(Table 3 is as follows:)
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89
37^20, or almost 23% of the resident population. A breakdown by
Bounty follows :
• TABLE 3
28amr • FISHING LICENSES ISSUED IN
TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN AREA
COUNTY NO. OF PERSONS LICENSED * COUNTY KPULATIMI
85,962
Anoka
Hennepin
Ramsey
Washington
Dakota
Goodhue
Wabasha
Minnesota Totals
St. Croix
Pierce
Pepin
Wisconsin Totals
Area Total
2^,717
195,170
7^,125
3^,960
17,316
9,330
6,637
362,
6,670
3,953
1,5^2
12,
37^,
255
165
U20
^22,525
52^32
78,303
33,035
17,007
1,532,118
22,503
7,332
58,999
1,591,117
* This breakdown necessary because of the three classes of licenses
issued by the State of Minnesota.
Ice fishing is also a popular sport along the river and on a typical
winter day several hundred fishing shanties and anglers may be seen on
•the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin.
Water Oriented Parks and Aesthetics
The waters of the Upper Mississippi River are a focal point for
parks and recreation areas.
Stillwater Park and Bayport City Park are located on the St. Croix
22
-------
90
J. N. Rademacher
loe fishing is also a popular sport along the
river and on a typical winter day several hundred fishing
shanties and anglers nay be seen on the Mississippi River
and Lake Pepin.
Water~0riented Parks and Aesthetics
The waters of the Upper Mississippi River are a
focal point for parks and recreation areas.
Stillwater Park and Bayport City Park are located
on the St. Croix River. Along the Mississippi River are
Hastings Park, Commissary Point picnic area, Colville Park,
and Bay City Picnic Grounds. Frontenac State Park, located
in Qoodhue County, Minnesota, is the site of the State's
first summer resort. Nearby is the famed Maiden Rock, in
Wisconsin, a site that attracts many visitors.
William O'Brien State Park consists of 256 acres
of wooded, rolling land fronting for almost a mile on the
St. Croix River in Washington County. The Minnesota Con-
servation Department reports that a future State park will
include part of Port Snelling, pike Island and adjacent
parts of the Minnesota River Valley. Part of the Crosby
farm, located in St. Paul, along the left bank of the
Mississippi River below Port Snelllng, may become a new
-------
91
J N. Rademacher
city park.
Access to the Mississippi Riv«r above lake Pepin
to Prescott, Wisconsin, is somewhat restricted by the rail-
roads which fora iron bands binding the river on either
side. However, the proposed development of the Oreat
Riv«r Road should open this entire scenic stretch from
Prescott, Wisconsin, through Lake Pepin. An increasing
demand for quality water to satisfy the developing recrea-
tional uses can be expected.
Waste Disposal
The waters of the area receive and carry away
the sewage, Industrial and other liquid wastes produced
by the varied activities of the population. In the Twin
Cities area waste disposal has become the dominant use
below the MSSD outfall.
The Mississippi River in this area receives over
a billion gallons of waste water dally, including sewage,
industrial process water and cooling water, wastes dis-
charged directly to the Mississippi River include approxi-
mately 190 million gallons from municipal sources and at
least another 20 million gallons of industrial waates per
day. The Minnesota River receives and delivers to the
-------
92
J. M. Rademaoher
Mississippi River about 24 Billion gallon* of municipal
and induatrlal wastes dally. Over 900 MOD of cooling
itater were discharged from the area's power planta.
SOURCES OF WASTES
Municipal sewage, Industrial wastes and heat are
the principal pollutional materials discharged continuously
into the waters of the Twin Cities area. Other wastes
discharged intermittently may have serious local effects or
may cause temporary excessive pollution. Among these
wastes are accidental spills from storage tanks, barges, etc.
combined sewer overflows, sewage from river front homes,
wastes from barge tows and pleasure craft, and materials
from dredging operations.
SEWAGE
The following table contains information on source
and characteristics of sewage discharged from various
aourcea Into the waters of the Twin Cities area.
(Table 4 Is as follows:)
-------
93
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-------
96
J. N. Radenacher
MUNICIPAL WASTES
There are 29 sewage treatment plants in the area.
Treatment provided ranges from primary to a complete
secondary process followed by stabilization ponds. On the
Mississippi River, all sewage treatment plants have pro-
visions for ehlorination of effluents with the exception of
Prescott, Wisconsin. Treatment facilities at Stillwater
and Bayport, Minnesota, and Hudson, Wisconsin, on the St.
Croix River, have provisions for ehlorination. Of the
municipal sewage treatment plants on the Minnesota River,
all have chlorlnation facilities available except St. Peter,
Le Sueur, and Belle Plaine, which use lagoons.
The treatment plants serve an estimated total
population of 1,192,000. Of this population, the two major
plants — the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District and
South St. Paul -- on the Mississippi River serve 89 percent
of the total, or 1,061,000.
A total of 200 million gallons per day of sewage
is discharged to the area's waters by the 29 treatment
plants. Of this, approximately 1?8 MOD,or 89.3 percent,
are discharged from the MSSD and South St. Paul plants.
Federal Installations
-------
97
J. M. Rademacher
Detailed survey and evaluations of waste dlapoaal
practices at all Federal Installations throughout the
country are currently being nade by the Public Health
Service. The inatallatlona in the Twin Cities area are to
be Included In this program.
There are three Federal installations that
reportedly discharge treated wastes to the surface waters
of the Twin Cities area: the Nike site at Anoka, on the
Run River, the Nike site above Hastings on the Vermillion
River, and the 96th TC Squadron Air Force facilities on
the Minnesota near WoId-Chamberlain Field. These are
included in Table 4.
Combined Sewer Overflows
Many of the older communities in this country
have combined sewer systems. Both municipal sewage and
surface run-off following rainfall are collected in the same
system of sewers. The quantity of surface run-off frequently
is many tinea that of the normal sewage flow. It is not
economical to design sewage treatment plants with the
capacities necessary to treat large quantities of run-off.
Consequently/ systems with combined sewers are designed to
bypass portions of the combined sewage and surface run-off
-------
98
J. N. Radeaaoher
when the flout In the «ysteHS exceed the capacities of
the sewage tr«at««nt plants. Whtn overflow occurs,
quantities of mixed raw sewage and surface run-off discharge
through bypass devices to nearby watercourses. The Twin
Cities area has a typically older, combined sewer system.
To avoid such raw sewage pollution of receiving
waters, most modern communities provide separate systems for
collecting sewage and surface run-off.
There are many combined sewage overflows in the
collecting systeaa in the Twin Cities area. The previous
table includes information on the types of systems Installed
in the area. There are over 80 storm water overflow points
reported in the Twin Cities area capable of discharging to
the Mississippi River. The following table reflects the
results of a sampling survey by the Minnesota Department of
Health in 1960-61. The report Included observations of
overflows from diversion structures in the area. Some of
these sewers discharge pollutlonal material on a more or
leas continuous basis while the majority discharge inter-
mittently. (Table 5)
(Table 5 la as follows:)
-------
99
38amr
TABIJE 5
SEWAGE DIVERSION OUTFALLS - TWIN CITIES
Points of •
Overf 2 ow
Mississippi River
Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minn.
Broadway Street
Nicollet Island
Bassetts Creek
Lock & Dam ( St. Anthony Falls)
8th Avenue South
10th Avenue S-E.
Street South
5th Street South
Bridal Veil Falls
Frank:) in Street
Lake Street
38th Street
Lock & Dam No. 1
Minnchaha (Large)
Minnehaha (Small)
River
Miles
Above
Mouth
855-5
854.0
853.8
853.0
853.1
853.0 (E.
852.5
851.5
851-3
849,8
848.9
84?. 6
847-3
84 7.3
Nature of Wastes
Light flow of sewage
and oil
Sewage
Heavy flow
Oil Slick
Discoloration
Heavy flow (2.4 MGD est.)
sewage, feathers coliforro
3100 MPN/JOO ml
Light flow sewage,
oil film
Heavy flow (2.4 MOD est.)
coliform 170,000 MPN/100
ml
Heavy flow (3.0 MGD est.)
Clear - No odor. Coliform
780 MPN/100 ml
Undet. - submerged outfall
Light flow - clear
Sewage - coliform
16,000,000 MPN/100 ml
Light trickle
Heavy sewage discharge
(-3 MGD eat.) coliform
>24,000,000 MPN/100 ml
-------
100
39amr TABLE 5
SEWAGE DIVERSION OUTFALLS - TWIN CITIES AREA
i/
Points of
Overflow
Mississippi River
Lock & Dare No. 1
Justice Avenue
Portland Avenue
Randolph Street W.
•
Otto Avenue W.
Minnesota River
Mississippi River
Davern Street
Eagle Street
Moses Street
St.Peter Street
Arthur Street
Robie Street
Trout Brook at River
I/ Observed during 1960-61 Survey
•River
Miles
Above
Mouth
849.8
849-2
848.4
847.8
845-1
839.9
839-9
639.5
838.6
Nature of Wastes
Sewage and Industrie
coliform.20,000 MPN/i.
yellowish-brown color
Sewage (.4 MGD Est. )
coliform 24,000,000
MPN/100 ml
Sewage (0,4 MGD Est.'
coliform 24,000,000
MPN/100 ml
Sewage (1.7 !!GD Est.
coliform 5,400,000
MPN/100 ml
Sewage (0.2 MGD Est.)
coliform 5,400,000
MPN/100 ml
J
Sewage (0.4 MGD Est.)
coliform 1,100,000
KPN/100 ml
Light flow (0.15 MGD
Est. ) coliform
780 fTN/100 ml
Sewage (0.15 MGD Est.)
coliform 490,000 MPN/100 ml
Light flow - sewage
Heavy sewage flow
Sewage - cloudy -
colifora 2,400,000
MPN/100 ml
- Minnesota State Department of Health
-------
101
J. M. Rademohtr
It la difficult to assess the pollution*! effects
of store water overflows on receiving waters beoause there
has not been sufficient study of either the characteristics
of the overflows or of the effects on receiving waters during
periods of overflow to develop factors that may be used
in such evaluations.
I
Industrial Wastes
Industrial activity is concentrated almost
completely in the Minnesota section of the area under
consideration. The type and variety of the Industries, as
well as treatment provided, are listed in the following
table, Table No. 6.
(Table 6 is as follows:)
-------
102
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J. M. Radeaacher
The table doea not include data on ••wag* from
plant employees, in many cases, the sewage la discharged
to a nearby municipal sewer, and is considered to be
accounted for in the table on sources of sewage. In some
cases, the industry or industries provide treatment planta
for the plant sewage. In such cases, it is assumed that
at least a majority of the plant employees live in surround-
ing sewered communities and likewise have been accounted
for in the previous table on sources of sewage.
The table lists only those plants that discharge
industrial wastes directly to nearby watercourses.
Industries which discharge wastes to municipal sewerage
systema are not included, since satisfactory disposal of
these wastes is the responsibility of the municipalities
involved.
The tabulation does not include information on
the. characteristics of the industrial waates. Reliable
recent data on volumes and conatituenta of many of the
wastea were lacking.
Seventeen planta, which are listed on the main
stem of the Mississippi River, discharge proceas waates
directly to the watera of the area. Principal waste
conatituents are oils, phenols, ammonia, oxygen-demanding
materials, and suspended aollda. Moat of the plants have
-------
107
J. M. Rademaoher
some type of waste treatment or control, but oil •pills
have occurred as the result of product handling and oil
transfer operations fron time to time. Metal fabricating
wastes, including chronic acid, are discharged without
treatment In the Bastings area. Hudson Manufacturing
Company, Hastings, Minnesota, provides chemical treatment
(Minn. WPCC Report, Jan. 20, 1964).
Twelve Industries discharge wastes to the
Minnesota River between Mankato, and the Mississippi River
estimates on flow and specific waste constituents are not
available. One food processing industry discharges wastes
to the land through ridge and furrow irrigation.
Thermal Sources
The principal sources of thermal pollution at
the present tine in the study area are the Northern States
Riverside, High Bridge and Black/Dog power plants; the
Northwestern Refining Company; St. Paul Ammonia Products,
Inc.; Great Northern Oil Company; Minneapolis-St. Paul
Sanitary District plant, and the South St. Paul sewage
treatment plant.
Within the foreseeable future, the thermal load
on the river will be Increased with the addition of the
-------
108
J. N. Radeaacher
proposed Northern States Power Plants at Red Rock and the
Prairie Island Plant at Red Wing.
The latest figures available on thermal discharges
are those for the months of January and August 1956* as
presented In the NSSD report prepared by the Sanitary
Engineering Division of the University of Minnesota.
These figures are presented for the thre« Northern States
Steam Power Plants and are as follows:
-------
109
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110
J. M. Rademaoher
A new unit at the Riverside plant it being added
this year which increases the generating capacity from
213,000 KW to 502,300 KW and which would modify the thermal
output for this station in the above tabulation. With the
exception of the thermal output at the Northwestern
Refining Company, which discharges up to 2.0 MOD of wastes
with a temperature of 90° p. at tines, the thermal outputs
for the balance of the industries and the MSSD are reported
to have little effect on the heat balance in the Mississippi
River during the critical summer months.
Commercial Barge and Pleasure Boat Traffic
Both commercial barge traffic and pleasure boats
plying this river system have a potential for discharging
wastes into the waters of the area. An estimate of the
magnitude of discharge would be difficult to assess.
An indication of the potential loading to the
river might be gained by examining the amount of traffic
passing through a specific lock at one of the Corps of
Engineers* dans. For example, in 1962 at Lock and Dam No. 2
at Hastings, 1,325 commercial lockages and 2,184 pleasure
boat lockages, with a total of 4,270 craft, were reported.
With an estimated average crew of 6 to 10 on a cosMterclal
-------
in
J. N. Rademacher
tow and an average occupancy of 3 per pleasure craft, the
total through the lock may hava ranged up to 20,000 paraona
during the navigation season.
Although pollutlonal dlachargea from this source
are generally distributed over wide areas, localized effects
cannot be discounted, particularly in the marine and terminal
areas. The sewage, combined with other discharges such ae
bilge pumpages, garbage and litter, present an increasing
problem.
Agricultural
The waters of the Mississippi River within the
area covered by this report are bordered by approximately
200 miles of shore line, much of which is devoted to parks,
forests, and improved agricultural lands. Steep bluffs are a
predominant feature of this area, conducive to high rates of
run-off, which may conceivably cdntaln fractions of the
55,OOO pesticide products currently registered with the
Federal Government. Tentative studies have been initiated
in the summer of 1963 by the Minnesota Water pollution
Control Commission to Investigate this problem in the
surface waters in Minnesota.
In addition to the above possibility, the improved
-------
J. M. Radesutoher
far* lands are a potential source of the nutrients being
contributed to the waters. No work Is in evidence relative
to the extent of sources or effects of nutrient levels
within the area.
Bulk Storage Areas, Pipelines and Barges
One good that results from accidental losses of
valuable commodities Is the public awareness and concern
it creates. Major oil spills on the Minnesota River In the
winter of 1962 were of paramount importance in the recent
delegation of authority to the Minnesota Water Pollution
Control Commission by the 1963 legislature to prohibit
storage without proper safeguards of any liquids which
could cause pollution of waters (Sec. 5, Subd. 3(2) of Laws
of 1963, Chapter
While above-ground storage facilities create a
potential hazard to nearby watercourses, they are by no
means the only potential problem. Throughout the country
in recent tiaes such disasters as the sinking of barges
containing Items from chlorine to rye have occurred; oil
transfer lines have ruptured during unloading operations;
and heating colls within tanks have separated causing
damaging substances to be discharged to the watercourse.
-------
113
J. N. Radewcher
Thea« arc all iteaa which can have far-reaching effecta and
for which control ia difficult. Another problea la the
inadequate diking of waate lagoona adjacent to water couraea
subject to periodic flooding.
Within the area deacribed here, there exist
Bone 33 barge terminals and barge cleaning operationa and
bulk storage facilities. To this potential must be added
the possible hazard generated by the hundreds of tona of
gasoline and other petroleum products tranaported by barges
during the year. The Corps of Engineers eatirate that
possibly 5 percent of the barges in this traffic would
develop as "leakers.''
(Table 7 is as follows:)
-------
53amr
TABLE 7
INDUSTRIES HAVING POLLUTION POTENTIAL FROM PRODUCT
SPILLAGE, BUT HAVING NO DIRECT EFFLUENT DISCHARGE
PLANT OR PLANT DIVISION
Mississippi River
Western Oil & Fuel Company
Terminal
Municipal Coal Terminal
Pure Oil Company Terminal
Municipal Barge Terminal
Phillips Petroleum Company
Terminal
Great Northern Oil Company
The Texas Company Terminal
Socony Mobil Oil Company
Terminal
Shell Oil Company Terminal
Archer Daniels Midland
Terminal Company Terminal
Petco Oil Company Terminal
Clark Oil Company Terminal
Northern States Power Company
Coal Terminal
Minnesota Harbor Service
Barge Cleaning Facility
W. H. Barber Company
Terminal
LOCATION
Minneapolis
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
RIVER MILE
852.9
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
St. Paul
St. Paul
852.8
852.7
852.5
852.4
852.0
842.5
81*2.3
842.2
841.7
841.6
841.5
840.5
840.4
840.3
OPO B07-O»B—5
-------
PLAMT OR PLAHT DIVISIOH
LOCATION
RIVER MILE
St. Paul Grain Terminal
American Mineral Spirits
Company Terminal
Fluid Storage Inc. Terminal
Walsh Grain Company Terminal
Municipal Barge Terminal
Continental Grain Company
Terminal
Northwest Refining Company
Terminal
Northwest Refining Company
Terminal
Hermanson Coal Dock.
Municipal Barge Terminal
Central Soya Terminal
Northern States Power Company
Coal Terminal
Minnesota River
Continental Grain Terminal Co.
Central Soya Company Terminal
Richards Oil Company Terminal
(Port) Cargill Inc. Terminal
Northern States Power Company
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul
St. Paul Park
Hastings, Minn.
Prescott, Wis.
Red Wing, Minn.
Red Wing, Minn.
Red Wing, Minn.
Between Savage &
Minneapolis
Between Savage &
Minneapolis
Savage, Minn.
Savage, Minn.
Minneapolis
84o.o
839.U
837.^
837.^
837.3
836.9
830.0
814.6
8n.o
791-2
791-0
789.4
14.7
14.6
1^.5
13-9
8.4
Blackdog Plant Coal Dock
Barge Cleaning Facilities
Minneapolis
8.0
-------
116
J. N. R«d««aoh«r
Other Pollution Sources
In addition to the major rivers within the
area covered by this report, there are at least 15 small
tributary streams contributing to the overall water quality
picture. Slight as these sources seen, it oust be realized
that some of these small watersheds incorporate industrial
and urban areas while others accept drainage from cultivated
farm lands, small settlements and individual home sites.
Data have been obtained on some of these
tributaries relative to the total coliform densities, DO, and
BOD. These data have been obtained by the Minnesota
Department of Health prior to 1962 with more detailed
studies being currently performed. Some of those tributaries
and pertinent data are as follows:
Rum River: All of the sources of direct discharge
of raw sewage have provided or are making
progress toward construction of treatment
facilities. Total coliform densities averaged
3,800 MpN/100 ml for the 44 determinations made.
Cook Creeks This creek drains a mainly flat, sandy
agricultural land which is sparsely populated
except for the southern part southeast of Anoka
which contains extensive suburban residential
-------
117
J. N. Rmdoaacher
areas. Samples collected sine* I960 indi-
cate high DO, low BOD, and a total coliforn j
i
average of 6,060 MPN/100 ml for 13 deterttinations.i
i
Rice Creeki This stream drains the area northeast \
of Prldley and at present receives no discharge
from a public sewerage system. However, some
treated industrial wastes do enter the creek. ;
Thirteen determinations abow a high average PC. ;
a BOD of 7.4 mg/1 and a coliform average
density of 3,425 MPN/100 ml. ;
Shingle Creek: This creek drains a mainly rural area
northwest of north Minneapolis. There are at !
*
present no major waste-producing industries in !
the area nor are there any surface discharges ;
from municipal sewerage systems. Eleven deter-
minations indicate average values of 9.7 mg/1
for DO, 4.2 mg/1 for BOD, and total colifortn
average density of 509,800 MPN/100 ml. |
i
i
Bassetts Creek: This creek drains an area wedt of 1
i
Minneapolis largely devoted to residential develop-
ment and farming. The creek is considered
potentially valuable for recreational use because
of growing residential areas near it. Thirteen
samples taken one mile above the mouth show
-------
118
J. M. Radenacher
averages of 866,900 MPN/100 ml for collforma,
a DO average of 6.6 mg/l, and BOD of 12.7 »g/l.
Jtinnehaha Creek: This stream serves as the outlet
of Lake Ninnetonka and also drains an extensive
area between the outlet of the lake and the
Mississippi River. Eight determinations Indicate
a conform group average of 22,400 MPN/100 ml,
with a DO of 9.0 tng/1 and a BOD of 5.1 ng/1.
Within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan
area Itself, an estimated 3^2,000 people are at present
dependent on individual home sewage disposal facilities, i
consisting primarily of a septic tank with a subsurface i
drain tile field or cesspool for disposal of the tank
effluent. The great number of these installations in close
proximity to one another are a threat to the quality of the
underground waters.
In addition, many commercial establishments,
suburban shopping plazas, trailer camps, motels, restaurants,
etc., are located throughout the area and many discharge
treated and untreated wastes into the watercourses leading
to the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The effect on the
bacteriological quality in particular should be considered
as having significance.
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in maintaining
-------
119
J. M. Rademaoher
channel depths in the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers
have established a year-around program of dredging and
spoil deposition. This program is of two types, deposition
by hydraulic methods in spoil areas along the shore and by
barges to downstream off-channel areas.
EFFECTS ON WATER QUALITY AND WATER USES
With knowledge of the sources of wastes in the
conference area as well as information on such water
quality indices as coliform bacteria, BOD, dissolved oxygen, j
pH, temperature, suspended sol ds, etc., an assessment may
be made of the effects on the existing and potential uses
of the waters in the area. The following section outlines
these effects insofar as information is available for a
reasonable evaluation.
COLIFORM BACTERIA
Minnesota's basic guide for bathing or swimming
waters has a limiting value for coliform density, although
this may vary depending upon the results of a sanitary
survey. The upper limit is a "most probable number" of
1,000 conforms per 100 ml as determined by the arithmetic
-------
120
J. N. Radeaacher
average of conform counts during any on* month of the
recreation aeaaon.
According to many State and Interstate pollution
control agencies, waters used for swimming and water contact
sports should not average more than 1,000 MFN/100 ml total
coliform bacteria and those used for general recreation
should not average more than 5,000 MPN/100 ml.
For example, the Ohio River Valley Water
Sanitation Commission, representing eight States, and the
Engineering Section of the Missouri Basin Health Council,
representing ten States, have adopted the following guide;
"For bathing or swimming waters, monthly
arithmetical average 'most probable number'
of ooliform organisms should not exceed
1,000 per 100 ml during any month of the
recreation season; nor exceed this number ,
in more than 20 percent of the samples
examined during any such month; nor exceed
2,400 per 100 ml on any day. For non-
bathing or non-swimming waters, the monthly
arithmetical average 'most probable number'
of coliform organisms should not exceed
5,000 per 100 ml in any month of the recrea-
tional season, nor should exceed this number
-------
121
J. M. Rade««oh«r
In s)or* than 20 percent of the samplss
examined during any such month."
In this report, coliform concentration data, j
supplied by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District for j
i
j
19*?, were used. The information was reported in terms of i
\
conforms per cubic centimeter, using the presumptive test '
only. Since most standards for quality with respect to j
this indice are reported In terms of conforms per 100 ml, j
the data was adjusted to this format.
In the Mississippi RJ ver above t;he Minnesota i
I
River, the monthly arithmetical average coliform levels ;
j
near the intake for the Minneapolis Water Plant (River Mile 1
858.5) ranged from 1,100 in December to 13*000 conforms/
100 ml in May. The high individual count was reported as
22,000 co 11 forms/100 ml and occurred on May 2*1. At the .
Fort Snelling Bridge (River Mile 845.5) the monthly average
ooljform concentrations ranged from 7,000 collforms/100 m?
for June to 810,000 collforms/100 ml in September. The
high individual count was reported as 1,600,000 conforms/
100 ml on September 19. The high coliform levels in this
upper stretch of the Mississippi River may be attributed to
storm water overflow contributions, land run-off, and
contributions from such tributaries as Minnehaha Creek,
Bassetts Creek, Shingle Creek, and Rice Creek.
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122
J. M. Radeaaoher
The Minnesota Rivar (Rlvar Nile 8*5.*) at ita
mouth had a Monthly average range of 940 oolifonu/100 ml
in February to 43,000 collforms par 100 ml In September,
^ *"~
with an Individual high of 79*000 colifonns/pirr 100 ml
reported on September 6, 1962. Downriver, immediately above
the NSSD plant outfall, the monthly average collform levels
ranged from 11,000 collforma/lOO ml In June to 62,000
co11forma/I00 ml In August. The individual high during
the recreation aeaaon waa 160,000 conforms per 100 ml.
Again, the relatively high levels may be attributed to the
effects of the metropolitan complex through which the river
passes.
Below the MSSD outfall the sampling station data
describe the very high collform levels contributed by that
source and the South St. Paul Treatment Plant. At the
Inver Grove Bridge (River Mile 830.3)> some six milea.below
the MSSD plant and two miles below the South St. Paul Plant,
the monthly average coliform levels ranged from 100,000
conforms per 100 ml in April to 2,800,000 collforma/100
ml In October, with an individual high of M,900,000 coli-
foma/100 ml on September 26. Almost eight ml lea further
downstream at Orey Cloud Landing (River Mile 322.5) the
monthly average coll form levels ranged from 110,000 conforms^
100 ml In January to 1,700,000 collforms/I00 ml for August,
-------
123
J. M. Radeuacher
with a high of 3,500,000 aoiifor»a/100 »1 reported during
May. Between June and October the individual high was
2,400,000 collforma/I00 ml on August 23. At the Hastings
Highway Bridge (River Mile 813.9) the coliform range was
12,000 colifonas/lOO ml in March to 560,000 coliforma/100 ml
in July and August, The Individual high at this station
was 2,400,000 coliforms/I00 ml on August 1. The coliform
levels in this stretch of the river reflect the heavy
input at the two major sewage treatment plants and the
"die-away" rate to Hastings. The St. Croix River appears
to be in good condition on the basis of conform levels.
The monthly average coliform concentrations for this river
ranged from 100 colifonns/lOO ml in October to 620 con-
forms/100 al during June. The Individual high reported was
1,700 coliforms/IOO ml on July 10, 1962.
In the interstate reach of the Mississippi,River
below Hastings, Minnesota, and Prescott, Wisconsin, sig-
nificant levels of coliform concentrations are reported.
At Prescott Island (River Mile 810.2) the monthly average
range was 22,000 coll forms/100 ml in October to 360,000
coliforms/100 ml in August, with an individual high of
920,000 coliforms per 100 ml reported in August. At Diamond
Bluff (River Mile 800.5) the monthly average range was
4,900 colifoms/100 ml in March to 160,OOO colifor»s/100 nl
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124
J. H. Rademaeher
In July, with a high of 350,000 collforma/100 •! reported
on June 20. Above, Lock and Dam No. 3 (River Mile 796.9) the
•onthly average rang* reported waa 5,200 collforM/100 al
for March to 63*000 collforna/100 ml for the month* of
November and December. The individual high occurred during
December and waa reported at 130,000 coliforma/100 ml.
During the turner Months the monthly average range waa
21,000 to 36,000 collforna/100 ml with only one sample
having a count leaa than 5*000 coliforma/lOO ml (4,900/100 ml
Continuing downstream, at Red Wing, Minnesota
(River Mile792.0), the monthly average conform range was
3,200 collfoms/100 ml for February to 64,000 coll forma/100
ml for November. The high point was reached on both August
14 and November 14 at 79*000 coliforms/100 ml.
In Lake Pepln the monthly average collform
concentrations at Prontenac (River Mile 779.0) ranged from
490 coliforms/100 ml (one sample) for March to 14,000 coll-
forms/100 ml in November (high individual sample - 24,OOO
collforma/100 ml on November 14). High counts of 13*000
and 14,000 collforma/100 ml were recorded during July of
thla period. Opposite lake City, Minnesota (River Mile
772,6) the rang* waa 170 collforma/100 ml for March (one
sample and 7,200 ooliforms/100 ml for November. The high
individual count waa 11,000 coliforms/100 ml on November 14.
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J. M. Radetnaoher
All nine samples collected during the sumer months of
June through September 1962 had collforn densities less
than 5,000 conforms/100 ml and six of the nine had
densities greater than 1,000 MPN/100 ml. At the outlet to
Lake Pepln (River Mile 764.9) the range of conforms
reflected relatively clean water with concentrations reported
at 45 colIforms/I00 ml in December and 1,000 coliforma/100
ml in November. The high individual count occurred in
November at 1,300 colifonus/I00 ml.
It appears from the collected data for 1962 and |
t
!
other years that high concentration of coliform bacteria j
t
are present in the Interstate reach of the Mississippi !
River and in Lake Pepin, although the bacterial quality
at the lake's outlet is good. A pictorial representation
(Figure 6) relates the maximum coliform levels to the
standards for swimming and other recreational uses as
described earlier.
(Figure 6 is as follows:)
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126
65amr
COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS
TWIN CITIES - UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
U.S. DEPT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, 8 WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
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J. M. Rademaoher
Using a maxlmuB value of 1,600,000 collform*/
100 ml In the stretch of the Mississippi River above its
juncture with the Minnesota River, anyone Ingesting a
single drop of water with this bacterial density would
swallow about 800 sewage bacteria. At the station above
the MSSD outfall, each drop would have 80 sewage bacteria
during the maximum contration of 160,000 coliforms per 100
ml. Below the MSSD plant at Grey Cloud landing each drop
swallowed could contain as many as 1,750 sewage bacteria.
In the interstate section of the river with counts as high
as 130,000 co11forms/I00 ml at Lock and Dam No. 3» 97,000
collforms/100 ml at Red Wing, and 2^,000 at Frontenac,
each drop of water sprayed into a boater's mouth or
swallowed by a swimmer or water skier would have the
possibility of 65, 39, and 12 sewage bacteria being ingested,
respectively. Figure 7 reflects these possibilities.
(Figure 7 Is as follows:)
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128
6?amr
MAXIMUM COLIFORM BACTERIA
IN A SINGLE DROP OF WATER
TWIN CITIES - UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
US DEPT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, SWELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO,ILLINOIS
FIGURE 7
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129
J. M. Rademacher
It Bight be pointed out that these presumptive
collform measurements are total counts and include all
types, including non-fecal varieties, Mr. H. P. Clark,
Research Branch Biologist, Division of Water Supply and
Pollution Control, Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering
Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, has reported on the efficacy
of differential testing for fecal col'iforms and fecal
streptococci. On the basis of a 96 percent correlation as
to the source of specific conforms from the gut of warm-
blooded animals and a better than 99 percent correlation of
fecal organisms with a fecal source, and the non-fecal
organisms with the absence of any fecal source, any definitive
stream survey should include three teat procedures: The
total collform test, the fecal ccllfonn test as a supple-
ment to the total coliform test to be able to pinpoint the j
conforms that come from soil erosion, and the fecal
streptococci test with a sufficient number of species identi-i
t
t
fications performed in certain specified samplings on the j
strain type or species type of streptococci to be able to
Indicate a possible source from which those streptococci
were derived.
Included as a part of this report in the Appendix
is a statement prepared by Mr. Clark concerning the "Bac-
teriological Examination of Stream Samples." The Minnesota
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J. M. Rademacher
Water Pollution Control Commission reports that differential
testing for co11forme hat been Initiated during the past
year aa part of Its water quality evaluation program.
Although commendable progreaa haa been made in
sewage treatment In the entire Twin Cities Area, Including
the significant Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers, further
improvements are needed to minimize the hazards of excessive
bacterial contamination. The more serious problems indicated
by available data are the high densities throughout much of
the main stem of the Mississippi River and the Minnesota
River which constitute a hazard to recreational uses,
including sport and commercial fishermen. Major needs for
improvement include measures for reducing the effects of
discharges of raw aewage from diversion structures on the
collection system throughout the metropolitan area, more
adequate disinfection at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary
District treatment plant and the South St. Paul treatment
plant, and the Identification and control of other bacterial
contributions throughout the area.
FIVE-DAY BIOCHEMICAL OXYOEN DEMAND
The studies conducted by the Minnesota Department
of Health in 1960-61 and the definitive analysis of MSSD
data by Professor Oeorge J. Schroepfer of the University of
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J. M. Rademacher
Minnesota outline the degrading effects of the Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (five-day) on the Mississippi River as it
passes through the Twin Cities metropolitan area to Its
Juncture with the St. Crolx River.
Using August 1962 five-day BOD data and mean
river flows supplied by the MSSD as an example, the average
loading for that critical month increased from 59*900
pounds/day at Fridley above the Twin Cities to 63>000 pounds
at the Port Snelllng Bridge above the Mississippi's con-
fluence with the Minnesota River; to Q8,OOO pounds at the
Robert Street Bridge, and 101,500 pounds Immediately above
the MSSD outfall.
The Minnesota River was a significant contributor
to the overall five-day BOD loading of this stretch of the
river with an average discharge of 26,100 pounds. Dissolved
oxygen levels on the Minnesota River ranged from 0.4 mg/1
to 20 mg/1, at the County Road 18 Bridge below Shakopee,
Minnesota. Below the MSSD outfall the BOD loading averaged
305,000 pounds at River Mile 835.0 above South St. Paul.
This high loading dropped rapidly to 23*1,OOO pounds at
the Inver Grove Bridge some five relies downstream and thence
to 148,000 pounds at the Hastings Highway Bridge. The
calculated average five-day BOD loading on the Mississippi
River below its confluence with the St. Croix River for
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138
J. N. Rademaoher
August 1962 was 139*500 pounds. The high rate of early
deoxygenation In the river stretch immediately below the
MSSD plant and South St. Paul reported by Professor
Sehroepfer In his studies Is apparent.
The total five-day BOD from all sources of
sewage Is estlnated to be approximately 228,180 pounds
per day. Of this 225,9*40 pounds per day, or 99.1 percent,
were discharged directly to the Mississippi River. The
MSSD plant accounted for 209,000 pounds per day, or 91.6
percent. The South St. Paul Treatment Plant discharged
an estimated 14,500 pounds per day, or 6.3 percent.
(Adjust figures to reflect the Increased load
from South St. Paul:
From 14,500 pounds to 27,000 pounds
Proa 228,180 pounds to 21*5,430 pounds
From 225,9^0 pounds to 238,190 pounds.)
The survey by the Minnesota Department of Health
in 1960-61 reported a virtual total depletion of dissolved
oxygen for a 7.5 mile stretch of the river from below the
MSSD outfall to the vicinity of the Great Northern Oil
Company barge slip. Data frosi the MSSD river sampling
program for that period confirmed these conditions.
The pending expansion program to secondary
treatment for the MSSD plant has been based principally on
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133
J. M. Rademacher
DO levels to be maintained in the Hustings Pool of the
Mississippi River under varying flow conditions originally
established to meet the requirements of the Minnesota State
Board of Health in 1934. With some modification these have
been interpreted by the MSSD to require: (a) Maintenance
of 2 ppm of DO at mean monthly discharges exceeded 90
percent of the time during the critical months of February
and August; (b) maintenance of one ppm of 00 at mean
monthly discharges exceeded 99 percent of the time during
the critical months of February and August; and (c)
maintenance of a trace of DO during periods of miniauB
five-day discharges exceeded 99 percent of the ti»e during
the critical months of February and August. Additionally,
four ppm of dissolved oxygen would be maintained during
i
periods of minimum five-day discharges exceeded 99 percent
of the time during the critical months of February and
August in the Mississippi River both above its confluence
with the Minnesota River and below its confluence with the
St. Crolx River. These objectives agree with the stream
standards adopted by the Minnesota Mater Pollution Control
Comalssion in March 1963.
SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND SLUDOE DEPOSITS
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13*
J,, M, Rademacher
The physical and nutritional changes effected
by organic sludges of certain industrial or sewage origin
may result In the formation of zones in a stream, charac-
terized by different organise associations. A clean water
zone nay have a bottora composed of small and large stones,
In this type of environment are found many different kinds
of bottom-fiah-food organisms, plankton, and fish. Pish
nesting areas are numerous. The typical association of
clean-water-dwelling animal species are immature caddis-
flies, stoneflies, mayflies, hellgrammltes, gill-breathing
snails, and pearl-button clams. Sma11-mouth black bass,
sunfish, and various minnows abound. Numerous kinds of
plankton are present. Thus in the unpolluted zone there Is
a great variety of animals and plants, but because of
predation and competition for food and living space these
are represented by few individuals.
In the zone of recent pollution, floating solids
that become settleable blanket out light penetration, and,
on moving Into the zone of active decomposition, settle to
fora sludge deposits over the entire bottom. Turbidities
here are high. Only a few kinds of animals and plants can
survive on the soft* shifting blanket of sludge. Such
organisms. Isolated from many predators, form huge population!
of individuals. Solids, in settling, flocculate floating
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135
J. N. Rademacher
small animals and plants out of water; thus these are
scarce. The few animal forms that are adjusted to living
in a sludge substrate are sludgeworos, some kinds of blood-
worms, water sowbugs, certain snails, and various leeches.
Pish are absent or are scarce and prefer to form their nests j
elsewhere. Flowering water plants are absent, not being able
to root in sludge deposits. Most algae are extremely
I
scarce, being represented by dominating blue-greens that
form gelatinous slimy coverings over the sludge in shallow
marginal water.
Bottom deposit Investigations are reported in
the Minnesota Department of Health's "Investigation of the
Mississippi River from the Mouth of the Rum River to the
Mouth of the St. Croix River" (1960-1961) and the University
of Minnesota's report to the MSSD, "Pollution and Recovery
Characteristics of the Mississippi River," Volume I, Part
Three, September 1961. Sludge deposits are common for the
entire distance of 21.2 miles from the MSSD plant outfall to
the Hastings Dam.
Thtit deposits were reported as ranging up to
4.5 feet in depth and varying In consistency from a thick,
black, sticky mass to a sand-sludge mixture. The most
active area in terms of Sludge decomposition, as would be
expected, was in the four miles below the MSSD outfall.
I
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136
J. M. Rademttoher
These condition* originally surveyed in 1959 generally agreed
with conditions found by the Department of Health in their
1961 investigations. During these inveatlgations, the
river was reported as being highly colored with aolida
characteristic of packing house wastes in particular.
Reports on the biology of the river in terms of
a qualitative evaluation of the aquatic environment were
briefly described in the MSSD report for the section
im«ediately above the MSSD outfall, the center of the river
approximately 1.5 miles downstream from the MSSD outfall, and
the west aide of the river son:e three and one-half miles
downstream from the MSSD cutfali.
The presence of tubjfex worms (a sladge wortc)
and various forms of small shell life were the only forms
of aquatic flora and fauna reported.
Information on the biological character of
the interstate waters of the Mississippi River as well as
the Minnesota River is limited to the recent oil spill
investigations by the scientists from the Robert A. Taft
Sanitary Engineering Center. The effects of these spills
are well documented with significant shore and bottom areas
blanketed with the polymerized soya oil in the upper sections
of Lake Pepin, In the Mississippi River, and in the
Minnesota River as far back as Mankato, Minnesota.
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137
J. M. Radenacher
A continuing assessment of the biological
character of the river sludge depo»its is needed for the
entire river stretch under consideration. Identification
of the industrial sources of both organic and inorganic
solids should also be made, because of the lack of recent
data in some cases.
OIL
It is difficult and impractical to measure oil
in large streams and no quantitative data on oil in the
waters of the Mississippi River are available. Evaluation
o- the oil pollution problem can be based only on reports
of visual observations and on reported evidences of
the effects of pollution.
One dramatic effect of oil pollution is its
killing power on ducks. Death can come to ducks in several
ways. The oil coats their feathers and they become water-
logged, lose their ability to fly, and may drown. Oil
also breaks down the feathers' insulating capacity, and
the ducks may freeze to death. Ducks covered with oil do
not eat normally and may starve to death. They attempt to
preen oil off their feathers, and they ingest toxic
materials that cause their death.
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138
J. M. Radenaoher
Thla drama was played out during the winter of
1962-1963 as the result of two massive oil spills on the
Minnesota River. An estimated 1,000,000 gallons of
petroleum cutters oil from the Richards Oil Company at
Savage, Minnesota (River Mile 12.0) and an estimated
2,500,000 gallons of crude aoy bean oil from the Honeymead
Plant at Mankato, Minnesota (River Mile 101), combined to
coat the Minnesota and the Mississippi River from Mankata
downstream into Lake Pepin for a distance of about 130
miles. The oil moved with the ice break-up in late March
and was coincident with the northward migration of the many
thousands of ducks which use r,he Mississippi flyway.
Approximately 3,000 birds were found dead or dying and it
was estimated that up to 10,000 ducks met untimely deaths
as the result of this oily trap.
The polymerization of the soy oil resulted in
the formation of spongy "blankets," or "ropes," which
were either deposited on the beds of the rivers and lakes
or were blown onto the shores. The beach at Bay City,
Wisconsin, In particular is atill feeling the effects of thii
pollution.
The problem of accidental oil spills la a con-
tinuing one and major steps must be taken from both a legal
and preventative control standpoint. Recent progress in
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139
J. M. Rademaoher
this direction has been exemplified In the action of Governor
Rolvaag and the Minnesota legislature in supplying legal
tools to the Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commission
with which to work on a program for control of spills.
ALOAE
Wastes containing nit ogen and phosphorus
(fertilizers) pollute our waters and Contribute to the
increase of certain organism populations. Organisn. popula-
tions reach su-jh magnitudes that water uses are interfered
with and nuisances are created. Organisms that respond to
such nutrients are certain floating and attached algae and
rooted aquatic plants. If streams, lakes, and man-made
impoundments continue to become enriched v^lth wastes of
industrial, municipal, and agricultural origin, biological
nuisance problems that exist today will become intensified
in many areas. Other areas that do not have them now can
certainly expect them.
Inorganic and organic nutrients containing
nitrogen and phosphorus are among the major factors that
contribute to plant abundance including nuisance algal
blooms. In modern waste treatment practices, dissolved
inorganic or mineral constituents of municipal sewage and
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140
J. N. RmdeMcher
industrial waste* are reaoved only Incidentally by sedimenta-
tion and oxidation. Also, certain organic materials are
broken down with treatment to liberate inorganic nitrogen
and phosphorus, thus making then wore available as
fertilizers for plant growth. Treatment plant effluents
may actually contain more readily available nutritional
(fertilizer) substrates than are found in raw sewage
effluents.
It has been reported that jf assets of inorganic
nitrogen and phosphorus exceed 0.30 rag/1 and 0.01 mg/1,
respectively, in a lake at the start of the active growing
season, a season with nuisance blooms could follow. This
does not limit the possibility of algal growth to these
nutrients alone, since many other factors, no doubt,
contribute to their development.
Within the intrastate sections of the Mississippi
River above Hastings, Minnesota, the phosphorus concentra-
tions increased from an average of 0.097 mg/1 in the upper
section to 0.18 mg/1 in the middle section, and 0.48 ag/1
In the lower section. Total nitrogen levels within the
same ranges averaged 0.70, 0.80, and 3.4 mg/1, respectively.
As reported in the State of Minnesota 1960-1961 survey,
each of these water quality Indices increased fourfold as
the river passed through the metropolitan complex.
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141
J. N. Rademaoher
Downstream, the Public Health Service's National
Water Quality Network Station at the Red Wing Lock and Dam
reported phosphate concentrations ranging from 0.5 •£/!
to 0.8 mg/1 during July and August I960, and 0.2 mg/1 to
0.4 mg/1 during August and September 1961. Total nitrogen
was not reported. However, ammonia nitrogen levels ranged
from 0.0 mg/1 to 0.2 mg/1 in I960 and 0.3 mg/1 to 1.0 mg/1
In 1961 for the same periods.
The present and future effects on the total
water resource of the area should be determined with
respect to these important water quality Indices which may
contribute or trigger the growth of nuisance blooms of algae.
TASTES AND ODORS
Over the years, a continuing complaint reaching
the Minnesota Department of Conservation has been the off-
tastes of fish caught in various stretches of the Mississippi
River In the Twin Cities area. These reports have mainly
concerned fish taken in the reach above the Hastings Dan,
with occasional complaints coming from as far south as Red
Wing and Lake Pepin.
A wide variety of substances has been suggested
as agents producing tastes and odors in water and off-flavor
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142
J. N. Rademacher
In fifth flash. The better known compounds Include phenolic*,
mercaptans, and other complex aromatic organic substances.
I
Not to be dismissed, though, la the taste and odor-producing
capability of many algal forma.
Within the area under study and particularly In
the reach above the Hastings Dam* phenol concentrations of ,
49 ppb in the river were reported at River Mil 829.4. A
phenol concentration of 65 ppb In an outfall creek was also
reported by the Minnesota Department of Health at River Mile
818.1. The average concentration of phenols in the stretch
of the river from River Mile 830.3 to River Mile 813.6 was
reported as 24 ppb in the State of Minnesota's report of
survey for 1960-1961. No information on phenol levels is
available for the interstate section of the Mississippi
River below Preacott, Wisconsin.
By way of comparison, the International Joint
Commission's recommended standard for phenols or phenol
equivalents in the International waters of the Detroit River
limit the concentration to a monthly average of 2 ppb, with
a maximum not to exceed 5.0 ppb after initial dilution of
the wastes. A similar standard has been recommended in
the Bl-State Agency 1954 Report to the States of Missouri
and Illinois for the Mississippi River in the St. Louis
Metropolitan Area. The phenol concentration limits set In
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143
J. M. Rademacher
the classification program of the Minnesota Water Pollution
Control Commission range from 10 ppb above the MSSD outfall
to 100 ppb in the river stretch below the MSSD plant to the
Mississippi River's confluence with the St. Crolx River.
Evaluations of taate and odor problems in the
Mississippi River in the Twin Cities area have been attempted
in the past, but no formal report was developed and the
results were apparently inconclusive.
The need for an intensive review of this water
quality problem Is necessary In the development of an overall
water quality control program.
PESTICIDES
Recent controversies associated with the programs
for the control of the fire ant, the spruce bud worn, the
gypsy moth, other forest Insects, and extensive pesticldal
application on food crops, have focused attention on the
problems of those Interested in the preservation of the
aquatic habitat. Most pesticides are toxic to aquatic life;
some are highly toxic (e.g., 0.6 pounds of Endrin In 120 million
gallons of water will kill bluegill sunfish); some accumulate
in the fat and flesh of organisms and in bottom muds. Their
use has resulted in the killing of fish and waterfowl, as
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144
J. M. Rademaoher
well as invertebrates »uoh as crabs, crayfish, and aqxiatic
Insects that are Important In food chain*.
Use of pesticides by the aquatic biologist at
tinea has been an important aspect of lake and stream
Management; such use haa been directed toward the control
of nuisance midge, mayfly, and mosquito populations, un-
desirable algae and aquatic weed growths, the sea lampreys,
and stunted or undesirable fish populations. Pesticides
exhibit tremendous variation in their impact upon the
aquatic community! great variation is also shown in the
susceptibility of the many kinds of aquatic invertebrates
important in fish and waterfowl food chains within that
community. Various additives such as solvents, wetting
agents, and dilutents tend to decrease the hazards to birds
and animals and increase the toxicity to aquatic organisms. I
The kinds of animals associated with the pesticide-treated
habitat, and their activities within the treated area, are
important factors in governing the hazards of the application.
The season of the year greatly influences the effect of the
pesticide because of the migration, hibernation, and
life cycle of the aquatic organism, waterfowl, and other
wildlife. The recovery of an affected area depends upon
many factors, among which are the proximity of similar habitats
the migratory tendency and range of the animals, and the
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145
J. N. Radeaacher
number of generations per year.
Pesticides nuat be considered Individually
rather than collectively and toxlcity problems must be
balanced between the beneficial and harmful effects of a
proposed application upon the aquatic environment. To do
this necessitates a knowledge of the toxlcity and associated !
i
hazards of the control agent. Usage must be governed by
rigid controls, and adequate safeguards must be installed
against "careless use/' which has so often been the chief
cause of unwarranted aquatic mortalities. Estimates on
total poundage of the various pesticides, weedlcides and
other exotic control compounds used in the Twin Cities area
are not available. Effects on water quality in the
Minnesota/ Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers from these
agents have yet to be assessed.
TEMPERATURE
The pollutional effect of temperature Increases
on aquatic life in natural waters has long been overlooked
or ignored. A subtle effect is illustrated by the
decrease in solubility of oxygen in fresh water. Under a
pressure of 760 mm of mercury at sea level and 32° p, it is
14.62 ppmj at 68° F it is 9.17 pp», and at 86° P it is
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146
J. H. Rademacher
7.63 ppoa. Thus, heat alone can deny aquatic life the
necessary oxygen reserves. Where a putresclble waste
creates a high biochemical oxygen demand and takes additional
oxygen from the stream, Increased temperatures are dangerous
as they may be related to the depletion of dissolved oxygen
to suffocating levels for aquatic life.
Another subtle effect of temperature increase is
reflected, on occasion, in the increased toxiclty of certain
chemicals to aquatic forma. For example, high temperatures
increase the toxicity of rotenone to fish. Brown trout die
much more rapidly at 70° P than bhey do at 55° p, the time j
being about 15 and 70 minutes, respectively, with a 0.^0
ppm dosage. With dosages of 0.20 ppm they die in about 22
minutes at 70° P, and in 100 minutes at 55° P.
In field Investigations involving industrial wastes
on large streams, it may be difficult to relate detrimental
effects of temperature, i. e., heat pollution, to specific
aquatic organisms. High temperatures may adversely affect
the over-all biota by eliminating many organisms, but in
doing so, allow a few, such as certain heat-resistant blue-
green, scum-forming nuisance algae, to become dominant.
Gross limits of temperature to which most warm-
water fish are subjected in natural bodies of water are
somewhere between 32° P to 95° *• Th« standards of water
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J. M. Rademacher
quality adopted by the Minnesota Water Pollution CosMission
relative to thermal discharge state that between the Rum
River and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District Plant
the discharge of wastes shall be controlled so that the
hest content of such discharge does not raise the river
temperature above 93° F at any point after reasonable
dilution. In the stretch between the MSSD plant and the
mouth of the St. Crolx River, the standard states that the
discharge shall be controlled so that the heat content of
the wastes will not raise the temperature of the river
high enough to be directly injurious to fish life, or
substantially interfere with or affect adversely other
established uses.
Current knowledge does not permit a precise
statement regarding the effects of varying temperature levels
on the over-all biota of a stream. In general, in most
temperate-zone streams of low gradient, large reaches
should not exceed 86° P for prolonged periods; headwater
streams will probably have an upper limit of from 72° P to
77° F for extended periods of time. Additional research is
likely to lower rather than raise these limits.
Temperature effects resulting from both present
and future thermal loads on the Mississippi and Minnesota
Rivers* waste assimilation capacities in terms of dissolved
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J. N. Rademacher
oxygen during critical period* of flow have been analysed
by the University of Minnesota for the MSSD. However, the
long-term effect* of high river water temperatures on the
biota of the atreave have not been fully evaluated.
In addition to the effects of temperature on the
biota of the stream, another principal effect of thermal
discharges is the possible curtailment or limitations
placed on the electrical generating plants in the area as a
result of the loss of cooling capacity in the waters. This
aspect has been studied in detail by the Sanitary Engineering i
I
i
Division of the University of Minnesota for the MSSD and is
currently being Investigated by the Northern States Power
Company in light of the recently adopted standards of
water quality on the Mississippi.
AMMONIA, pH, ALKALINITY, HARDNESS, A.B.S.
The presence of ammonia nitrogen in a stream is
notable for several reasons. Of particular concern in
terms of water quality are the changes that oocur in streams
receiving waste discharges which may contain varying amounts
of nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, and organically bound nitrogen.
The effect of these materials on the stream is complicated
by the condition of the stream receiving the effluent.
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J. N. Rademacher
Streams already depleted In DO will utilize oxygen In nitrate
thereby converting the nitrate to ammonia, nitrogen gas and
proteinaceoua matter. Streams with sufficient oxygen
reaourcee will continue the oxidation or assimilation of
ammonia to proteinaceous material, nitrogen gas, nitrite
and nitrate. Oxidlzeable nitrogen becorr.ea a part of the
biochemical oxygen demand exerted on the stream. It la
known that ammonia is a substance toxic to many forms of
aquatic life at high levels and under alkaline conditions.
Results of the survey of I960 and 1961 by the Minnesota
Department of Health indicate some high ammonia values and
no pH values in the acidity range. However, the data are
too limited for the drawing of conclusions at this time
and should have further study.
The teat for P.B.S. is a measure of the large,
anionic-type molecules which, in streams, are representative
of the synthetic organic detergents now contaminating many
surface and ground waters. A.B.S. is that portion of a
common household or industrial cleaning compound that
imparts foam and reduces surface tension to aid in the
removal of dirt particles by the cleaning compound. A.B.S.
Is believed to be nontoxlc to man in the concentrations
found in contaminated waters; but it produces unsightly,
persistent foams In streams at points of agitation or
-------
150
J. N. Radeaacher
discharge over dame. Although no data are available on
the A.B.S. content of the river, report* have been received
of waves of auda several feet high generated by the action
of barge towa leaving terminals.
The Minnesota Health Department, In collecting
samples during the 1960-1961 investigations, reported
determinations of alkalinity and hardness on some of the
samples. Alkalinity expressed usually as CaCO is a
measure of the neutralization reserve present in a water,
or the extent to which the water cars resist a change from
an alkaline to an acid condition upon addition of acidic
chemicals. Hardness also expressed os CaCO^ Is not only
a measure of the soap-consuming property, but is also of
Importance in the treatment of boiler waters, where It is
one of the most important factors.
The data collected by the State indicate some
significant changes in both alkalinity and hardness between
adjacent stations sampled the same day. Their data are
summarized on the next page:
(The data referred to are as follows:)
Change in Alkalinity Change in Total Hardness
mg/1 as CaCCK mg/l as CaCO
Stations •=
M-6.2 to M-4.9
M-0.1 to M+0.1
M+3,1 to M+3.2
MH.6 to M+5.2
M+5.6 to M+5.8
M-t-7.5 to M+7.9
150 to 350
230 to 170
160 to 220
120 to 220
160 to 270
180 to kkQ
170 to 260
110 to 320
180 to 300
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151- 152
J. M. Rademacher
It la possible that th« heavy volumes of (round
water used for air conditioning within the metropolitan
area contribute to the increases in alkalinity and hardness
as noted In this table.
CONTROL ACTIVITIES OP STATE AGENCIES
The Wisconsin Committee on Water Pollution and
the Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commission adopted a
Joint resolution concerning waste treatment requirements
for interstate waters of the St. Grolx and Upper Mississippi
Rivers and their tributaries in 1953. The resolution
provided that "for treatment of sewage and for industrial
wastes shall provide at least effective sedimentation or
equivalent, substantially complete removal of floating
solids or liquids, and reduction of toxic materials to
less than lethal Halts for aquatic life, with the under-
standing that additional or special type treatment be
required in those areas where water uses so dictate." The
two State water pollution control agencies have worked
with municipalities and industries to accomplish the
objectives of the joint resolution.
Though the bl-State agreement between the official
pollution control agencies of Minnesota and Wisconsin
-------
J, M. Hadesacher
requires a winlmm of primary treatment on the interstate
stretch of the MlMlMlppl River, the City of Red Wing,
Minnesota, in an independent action, constructed secondary
treatment facilities for its wastes. The protection of
recreational water uses la the downstream areas of Lake
Pepin was recognized by this action.
Both States have effective water pollution control
laws. Within the area under consideration, the Wisconsin
Committee on Water Pollution can point to waste treatment
facilities for every sewered community. Similarly, the
Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commission has received
compliance from each sewered community on its portion of the
interstate section of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.
Each State has used the grant provisions of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act for sewage plant
construction effectively. Ten plants involving a total
eligible cost of $4,309,878 have been granted $1,201,513
in Federal funds.
Of primary importance in the control of water
quality in this area has been the adoption in March 1963,
by the Minnesota Water Pollution Control Commission* of
classification standards for the Mississippi River and
its tributaries in the stretch from the Rum River to
Hastings, Minnesota. Essentially, the classification program
-------
15*
J. M. Radettaeher
provides for thro* zones of varying use and quality. These
rang* from the highest uses, Including public water supply
and swimming. In the zone from the Rum River to St. Anthony
Falls, to waters for limited recreational, Industrial and
commercial use In the zone from St. Anthony Falls to the
outfall of the MSSD plant, and finally to the third zone
from the MSSD plant outfall to the Hastings Dam, which allows
use for industrial process and general cooling, stock
watering, restricted irrigation, disposal or treated wastes,
fish survival and very limited recreational activities.
Standards of quality are set for each zone.
Dissolved oxygen, for example, has an upper limit that
ranges from a 5 *g/l requirement in the upper zone to a
4 mg/1 level in the middle zone, and finally to a 2 mg/1
standard for the lower zone. Each is based on the monthly
average flow which is exceeded by 90 percent of the monthly
average flows of record for the month of August or February,
whichever Is lower. The development of this intrastate
section of the Mississippi as well as the Minnesota River
within the Twin Cities area will be dictated by the dissolved
oxygen levels and other standards required in the classi-
fication program.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District is the
major waste contributor in the area. This agency has
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155
J. M. Radeiiaeher
collected a vast store of water quality information for
significant stretches of the Mississippi River since 1906.
A five-year project sponsored by the MSSD and conducted by
Professor George J. Schroepfer of the Sanitary Engineering
Division, University of Minnesota, was completed in 1961.
This intensive study assessed the capabilities of the
Mississippi River to assimilate the discharge of present and
expected waste loads in the critical stretch below
Minneapolis-St. Paul. Design of the secondary treataent
facilities, which are now under construction, was based
upon the findings of Professor Schroepfer's report and
the 1963 River Standards Classification of Minnesota Water
Pollution Control Commission.
(Figure 1 is as follows:)
-------
WISCONSIN
OVSTILLWATER
BAYPORTO
MINNEAPOLIS
L OCATION MAP
TWIN CITIES - UPPER
MISSISSIPPI RIVER AREA
U.S DEPT. OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, ft WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
REGION V CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
FIGURE I
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157
J. M. Rademacher
APPENDIX
BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OP STREAM SAMPLES*
(•Statement prepared by Mr. Harold F, Clark, Microbiologist, j
In Charge of Water Forms and Studies, Research Branch,
Division of Water Supply and pollution Control, Robert A.
Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.)
Microbiology
Water Supply and Pollution Control Research
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Cincinnati, Ohio
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158
J, M. Hademacher
Introduction to Methodology
The Standard teats for the conform group describe
in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waata-
water, llth edition, I960 (i) are designed apeclfically for
the quantitative determination of the coliforn group. The
collfora group includes all the aerobic and facultative
anaerobic, non-spore-producing, gram-negative rods which
ferment lactose with gas production within 48 hours at 35
(plus or minus 0.5)° C. The standard tests ares
1. Presumptive Test (based on gas production
from lactose) in which a negative reaction
excludes the coliform group and a positive
test indicates that conform bacteria may
be present.
2. Confirmed Test which demonstrates gas
production from lactose in the presence
of bile salts and brilliant green or the
production of nucleated (with or without
sheen) or opaque, mucold, unnucleated
colonies confirms the presence of the
coliform group, using Eosin Methylene
blue agar or Endo agar plates.
3. Completed Teat In which the coliform bacteria
-------
159
J. N. Rademacher
is isolated in pur* culture and demonstrated
to produce gas from lactose as well as
consisting of gram-negative rods con-
sistent with the morphology of the coliforra
group. This is the coliforro reference test
for the Multiple tube procedure in Standard
Methods (B.3. page 499).
4. Membrane Filter Technique consisting of
filtration of the sample through a membrane
filter, cultivation of the coliform colonies
on the filter surface using the Standard
Methods (12. page 488) M-Endo Medium and
counting coliform colonies for a "coliform
colonies" count.
The above Standard Methods procedures, by not
distinguishing between the various types of conform bacteria
composing the colifora group, yield no information as to thelj?
possible source or origin. A group of tentative differential
tests is described but no suggestions are given as to their
interpretation other than such procedures seldom give
sufficient information to justify the labor and tis» required
for the procedures. Presence or absence of the coliform
group is all that is necessary in the bacterial examination
of a potable water and the standard tests are adequate for
-------
160
J, H. Rtdeaaoher
this purpose (2).
The objectives in the bacteriological investigatioi
of untreated aurface watera, such as uaed In a stream survey,
muat go beyond the procedurea deaorlbed in Standard Methoda.
Bacteriological objective* include the quantitative estima-
tion of all indicator microorganisms of pollution so that
at much information aa to the probable aourcea and sig-
niflcance can be collected aa ia consistent with accepted
bacteriological reaearch nethoda and practicea.
In the accomplishment of these objectivea, it ia
neceaaary to uae newer reaearch methods which are beyond the
acope and objectivea of the procedures in Standard Methoda.
The teatlng nethoda include the elevated temperature test*
which indicates the fecal or non-fecal origin of coliforo
bacteria,and the atreptococcal method aa an Indicator of
pollution. Both of the procedurea and their Interpretation
have been eatablished by detailed research investlgationa
on the distribution of indicator nlcroorganlams in feces aa
well as in other environments (3, M, 5, 6, 7* 8).
Bacteriological procedures used in the examination
of stream samples are shown in the following schematic
diagram. Procedures which are marked with an aaterlsk are
described in Standard Methods while unmarked methods represen
tests not described and are the product of recent research
studies.
-------
161
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-------
162
J. N. Rade«acher
Dlacuaaion of Testa
Stream saitplea arc collected and examined for
the colifora group according to the procedurea described
in Standard Methoda. Theae procedurea include the uae of
lauryl tryptoae broth for a acreening teat and confirmation
of the presumptive poaitlve tubes in jrilllant green bile
lactoae broth. Thia ia conaidered preferable to the lactoae
broth option in the presumptive teat and the Endo or
Eoain-Methylene Blue plate optiona in the confirmed pro-
cedure. The "Confirmed Teat" enumeratea the eolifora group
in the sample but yields no Information aa to probable aource
auch being derived from feces, soil, plants, etc.
Elevated Temperature Teat (EC) at 45° C
The procedure for the Elevated Temperature Teat
conalsta of the following atepa:
1. Tranafer a loop of broth from the poaitlve
presumptive tube to an EC broth tube containing
an inverted vial to Indicate gaa production.
2. Place the inoculated EC tube, within leaa than
30 minutes after planting, in a Mater bath at
44.5 - 45.0° C.
-------
J. N. Radewaoher
3. Incubate at 44.5 - 45.0° C for 24 (plua or
•lima 2) hours in watar bath.
4. Record the presence or absence of gaa In the
inverted vial.
The presence of gaa in the inverted vial ia a poaitive reac-
tion indicating that conform* derived from the gut of warm-
blooded animals (fecal coliforna) were present in the sample.
Absence of gas indicates the absence of fecal coliforms in
the tube since the members of the conform group derived
from non-fecal sources generally fail to produce gaa in this
medium at 44.5 - 45.0° C. The fecal coliforni denalty la
calculated on the number of positive and negative tubes in
the seriea in the same wanner as for the conform group MPN.
Streptococcal Colony Count
Streptoeoccal enumerations are made by the
mebrane filter technique using KF Streptococcus Agar as
nutrient substrates. The medium ia prepared as follows:
1. Mix 7.64 grama of XF Streptococcus Agar
(Dlfco 0496) with 100 ml sterile diatIliad water
in a sterile flask.
2. place the flask containing the mixture In
a boiling water bath to dissolve the medium containing
-------
164
J. N Ha
-------
165
J. M. Rademaoher
3. Incubate at 35° c for 48 hours (up to
72 hours is permissible).
4. Count all red or pink colonies, using a
magnification of 10-20 diameters. Orange, yellow,
white or other colonies with other colors, except
red or pink, should not be counted since such
types have not been observed in fecal examination.
5. Calculate count per unit volume as
streptococcal colony count per ur.^t (usually 100
ml or 1 ml) volume.
The group of streptococci which meet the above
definition are always found in feces and has little or no
ability to produce aftergrowth in the stream. They are
present in greater numbers than the conform group in the
feces of most domestic animals, while the conform group
outnumber the streptococci in human excreta.
Fecal streptococci, like the fecal collform
group, is interpreted to indicate fecal pollution. As the
numbers of the indicators increases, the quantity of fecal
pollution Increases. However, each should be considered
as an independent Indicator of pollution. Survival rates
of each group vary under any specific environment and may
vary greatly from environment to environment. Conditions
may exist where one or the other indicator may die at a
-------
166
J. N. Radeaacher
greatly accelerated rate.
REFERENCES
I. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewatcr, llth ed. pp. VTT-513. (I960). Am. Pub.
Health Assoc., New York 19, New York.
2. Kabler, P. W. and Clark, H. P. Collform group
and fecal conform organ isms as indicators of pollution in
drinking water. J.A.W.W.A., 52, 1577-1579 (i960).
3. Qeldrelch, E. E. et al., The Conform Group.
II. Reactions in EC Medium at 45° C. Appl.
Microbiol., 6, 347-3*8 (1958).
4. Oeldrelch, E. E. et al., Type distribution
of coliform bacteria in the feces of warm-blooded animals.
J.V.P.C.P., 2*., (1962). In press.
5. Oeldreich, E. E. et al., Pecal coliform flora
of soils from various geographical areas. J. Appl. Baot.
(Brit.) 25_, (1962). In press.
6. Kenner, B. A., Clark, H. P. and Kabler,
P. W., Pecal Streptococci. I. Cultivation and enumeration
of streptococci in surface waters. Appl. Microbiol., 2*
15-20 (1961).
7. Banner, B. A., Clark, H. P., and Kfcbltr,
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167
J. M. Radawcher
P. W.t P*cal Streptococci. II. Quantification of atrapto-
coccl in facea. Km. J. Pub. Haalth, |>0, 1553-1559 (I960).
8. Bartlay, C. H. and Slanetz, L. W. Typaa
and aanltary significance of facal atreptoaocci laolatad
froa facaa, aawage and water. An. J. Put. Health, 50,
1545-1552 (I960).
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168
J. N. Rademaoher
1. Figure 3 - Delete Wright Products Plant,
829.0.
2. Page 13 - 1st Line - "used by commerce and
industry."
3. Table 4 - 3rd Page - PE Discharged to
Stream — Prescott, Wisconsin, 945E; Hudson, Wisconsin,
82QE; and Pepin, Wisconsin, 515E.
4. Page 28 - Line 19 - Hudson Mfg. Co.,
Hastings, Minnesota, provides chemical treatment (Minn.
WPCC Report Jan. 20, 1964).
5. Table 7 - Retltle - Terminals - Docks and
Storage Areas.
6. Page 34 - "Plazas" instead of suburban
shopping "places."
7. Page 43 - Adjust Figures to reflect the
Increased load from South St. Paul -
(Proa I4,500#'s to 27,000#'s)
(Prom 228,180#'S to 27,000#'s)
(Prom 225,940#'s to 238,190#«s)
3. Page 44 - After line 5 - same paragraph -
Should adds These objectives agree with the stream
-------
169
J. M. Radetaaoher
atandarda adopted by the Minnesota Hater Pollution Control
Cowaiaalon in March, 1963.
9. Page 50 - laat paragraph - "phenollca"
inetead of "phenols."
10. Pag« 59 - laat paragraph - inaert "by the
Minneaota Wlater Pollution Control Commisaion" after
"March, 1963."
* * *
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170
J. H. Rademacher
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Rademacher.
Do we have any comments or questions from
Minnesota?
OR. HARQRAVES: Well, I thought not. I thought
we would ask our questions and talk later.
Lyle, do you want to ask any questions?
MR. SMITH: Whenever you say.
DR. HARGRAVES: Do you want to open It?
MR. STEIN: If you wish. Mr. Rademacher is here
now.
DR. HARGRAVES: You mean we won't catch him
again?
MR. STEIN: You may have the privilege of
catching him all the time. You can do this as you wish.
DR. HARORAVES: I think we had better proceed
through your list of guests.
MR. STEIN: Do you have any questions or comments
from Wisconsin?
MR. MUEOOE: We will postpone questioning also
at this time.
MR. STEIN: Thank you very much, Mr. Rademacher.
MR. POSTONt I might ask Jack a question.
He uses the terminology "conform" and he uses
"fecal colifons" and "fecal streptococcus." I was wondering
-------
in
J. N. Hademacher
whether or not aomebody Bight have a question as to what all
thla me ana, and whether you could give thaai a llttla lay
language on what you ar« talking about her*.
MR. RADKMACHKR: Wall, I think, with reapect to
thaaa apacific teata that M« hava her* today, probably one
of the foremoat experta in the field of microbiology* Mho had
a lot to do with the development of the differential teata
for coliform, the fecal conform and the fecal atreptococci
teata, la Mr. Harold P. Clark. I think h« could probably
anaver thoae apecific queationa much better than I.
Theae eaaentially tell you more definitely where
theaa collforma will come from. They tell you whether they
are from aewage or whether they are from soil, or whether
they are from animal or man.
MR. POSTON: I would auggeat we aak Harold Clark
to do thia then.
MR. STEIN: la he available? la Mr. Clark in
the room?
MR. CLARKs Yea.
MR. STEIN: Would you come up, Mr. Clark?
I think in a aenae we are very fortunate to have
Mr. Clark here, becauae he ia the man who developed theae
taata.
By the way, aa Mr. Clark ia coming up, I want to
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172
J. M. Hadeaaeher
take this opportunity to acknowledge my personal debt to the
nan sitting on my left, Mr. Chester Wilson, who has been
one of the grand men in the business. I want to say that
in large measure I have learned a good deal of what I know
from Mr. Wilson, as I suspect many people in my generation
have. He has been an inspiration to all of us in this field
of water pollution control.
If Mr. Wilson can remember, trying to prove a
case in pollution control for many, many years, in dealing
with coliform bacteria., we never could oe sure precisely
where they came from, whether they cane from the runoff
from land, whether they came from one city or another city.
Mr. Harold Clark has devised a method where he practically
has a fingerprinting device. He can tell you whether it
comes from a runoff of land, whether It comes from a sewage
treatment plant, which city it comes from, and whether it
comes from an animal like a sheep or a cow, or whether it
comes from a human.
Mr. Clark is about ready to retire now. Half
facetiously, but I think he is right, he says if he had a
little more active life to work on this research problem, he
could tell whether it came froaa a male or a female.
(Laughter.)
Mr. Clark.
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173
J. N, Rademaoher
MR. CLARK: In answer to the question on th«
total coliform group, the total ooliform group com** from a
variety of sources. It may com* from the raw fooda that
you prepare.
W» have, in addition to that, the fecal coliform
group, and the ooliform group is defined as those coliform
groupa that are derived from the guts of warmblooded animals.
In other words, the fecal conform group is specifically a
measure of the amount of fecal pollution in the river,
exclusive of fish,
The greatest hazard, I would say, from a point
of the public health view, is those conforms that come
from fecal pollution. I would consider them much aore
hazardous than I would those that cane from soil erosion
or some other source.
We have the elevated temperature test that,
distinguishes and characterizes fecal coliform, which I
have defined, and that la accurate, with relatively good
accuracy, for a biological test. I would say It will
discriminate with between 96 and 97 percent accuracy.
Then we can determine the non-fecal conforms
by subtraction of the total conforms from the fecal coli-
forma, and in that way we can prove which came from domestic
waste or fecal pollution, and which came from soil erosion,
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m
J. M. Rademacher
or from other sources that I oan't describe.
Now, did you ask a question on the atreptococol?
MR. POSTON: Yea.
MR. CLARK: Furthermore, Me have the fecal
streptococci. Now, this group of the streptococci are a
group of these bacteriological groups of the streptococci
which are characteristic of feces. We have found in the
human feces four species of streptococci. That is, the
streptococcus faecalls variety faecalia, variety zynogen,
streptococcus variety liquefacien, and streptococcus durans.
These four species are characteristic of human pollution.
I have, if I may tell a little personal experience
here?
MR. STEIN: Go right ahead.
MR. CLARK: One of the engineers said that the
absence of streptococcus bovis, which Is In the human ,
species, was due to the fact that they weren't exposed to
enough streptococcus bovis. So, we went out to the prlfon
in Ohio, and we had picked ten Individuals who had been
working in the cow barns for a minimum of twelve years and a
maximum of twenty years,. They were all lifetime prisoners
under sentence for murder.
We checked those and found not a single strepto-
coccus bovis In the group.
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175
J. N. Radeaacher
In addition to theae that I mentioned from human
origin, we have studied animals, and we find that In the
various animals th« streptococcus bovis, the acldomlnlania,
equlnua and unidentified varianta of atraptocoool arc of
animal origin. Furthermore, the ratio of fecal collfor*
to streptococci In domestic waate rune from 4-| to 8-£ to 1,
while the ratio in animal wastes, the farm house wastes,
always runs less than 1 and down to five-tenths, indicating
that the atreptococcal group which has indicated a pollution
la the predominating group in domestic animals other than
humans, or wild animals other than humans, while the fecal
coliform is the predominating group in the strictly domestic
waste that would come through the average sewage treatment
plant.
Does that answer your question?
(Applause. )
MR. MUEGOE: You have been using names for these
organisms. What are the fecal conforms by name?
MR. CLARK: The fecal conforms by name would be
your esohrlchia group, which is controlled principally
by the eachrlchia coll. There is also the eschrichla frundil
and alao the various other forms of the eschrlchla, and we
alao find in the human gut some of the aerobacters, which
is different from the aerobactera that you find in soils.
-------
176
J. N. Rademacher
So, we have divided the collform group* Into
two characteristics, instead of going into a lot of funny
naves, as I have been talking about, the feoal conform group
and the non-fecal conform group, and we stopped naming then
right there.
MR. MUEOOE; Can you differentiate between
animal and human collforns?
MR. CLARK: No, air, you cannot differentiate
between the animal and the human fecal conforms, except on
a quantitative and statistical density difference.
MR. STEIN: I think Dr. Hargraves may have a
question.
DR. HARORAVES: Mr. Clark, I just want to sort
of set the record straight. I think the public is pretty
well excited and upset when we talk about fecal organisms
and their presence as a measure of pollution.
Now, how many of these that you have named are
pathogenic?
MR. CLARK: Of the organisms that I have named,
none of them are pathogenic.
DR. HARGRAVES: So that we have to set this up
then as simply a measure that there is contamination in the
water?
MR. CLARK: Yes, sir. I would like to qualify
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ITT
J. N. Rftdmuohar
•y anawer Juat one bit.
OR. HARORAVES: All right.
MR. CLARK s Except that In children under one year
of age, ve have aone of it pathogenic, aerotype 0-111 and
0-035* and various aerotypea; but in the adults or thoae
paat one, two or three years of age, they are not pathogenic.
However, the significance of this is where you
find the fecal ooliform, we may find the enteric pathogenic
bacteria, you nay find various associated viruses, you may
find various typea of parasitic organisms, and other
organisms that aren't pathogenic that may be associated with
fecal pollution.
So, whenever we find fecal pollution or these
fecal organisms, that proves the presence of the fecal
pollution, and then you have the hazard you have due to any
fecal pollution added to a stream.
DR. HAHORAVES: And yet juat to have a high count
of coliform organisms doesn't necessarily mean that we have
any of these.
If we had a sample of our bath water, for example,
I think most people would go to showers, wouldn't they, if
they sampled it after they had a bath?
MR. CLARK: That is probably true.
DR. HARORAVES: And if we washed our hands, and
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J. N.
•o on, and sampled that, it would be about th« same 7
MR. CLARKi The majority of tho§«, I would say,
would probably be classified in the non-fecal group. Dr.
Hargravea.
(laughter. )
DR. HARGRAVES: I don't think you see the same
patients I do.
(Laughter.)
MR. CLARK: I consider these indicator organisms
do indicate fecal pollution.
DR. HARQRAVES: I will agree with you. I did
not want to discount It in the leaat. I simply wanted to get
at what it means in the evaluation of our water, and we do
have it polluted, but 1 just wondered whether these organisms
in drops of water that hit a water skier's mouth and so on,
how important they are.
Our children are at school all day getting coughs
and colds from people that are coughing and sneezing in their
faces, and these droplets contain pathogenic organisms.
We run into them all the time, and we do have body defenses
to take care of them. If we don't have typhoid carriers
and if we don't have some of the other things, this count
actually falls in importance, as far as a swimming pool or
a swimming beach is concerned, or the use of the water by
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179
J. M. Rademacher
• skier.
MR. CLARK: I agree that the** are non-pathogenic
organism*, and that their ingeation Mould not hurt the
individual.
DR. HARORAVES: I agree that they indicate
pollution.
MR. CLARK: I wish we had method* for isolating
pathogen* quantitatively, which I have been unable to develop
DR. MARGRAVES: Ye*. So do I.
MR. CLARK: However, I al»o wish to say that if
coliform level* or high levels are allowed to continue over
long period* of time, that sooner or later the hazard of
pathogenic entities gradually Increases with increased
exposure.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Wilson?
MR. WTLSCN: Mr. Clark, for the Information of
quite a few people here who might not understand the tech-
nical terns, when you say "pathogenic" you mean diseaae-
produclng?
MR. CLARK: I meant the organisms that would
produce disease.
MR. WILSON: And could you tell us what are the
common name* of some of the water-borne diseases whose
bacteria might be transmitted through water, and whose
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iao
J. M. RadeMOher
presence Might be Indicated by thaae oollforw and strepto-
coccus bacteria which ar* known to be of human intestinal
origin? What are some of the actual diseaat organisms that
•ight be transmitted along with the coliform and streptococci'
MR. CLARK: I think Dr. Kargravea would probably
be better qualified to answer that, but I will make an
attempt at it.
We use these indicator organisms and apply the
principle of condemnation Dy association. The indicator
organisms nay associate with these pathogenic entitles I
have mentioned.
Now, as to the common names for those, in the
older days we had typhoid fever. I haven't seen a typhoid
fever epidemic for a good many years in this country. How
ever, some of the foreign countries haven't been quite so
fortunate.
MR. WILSON: You know that they had one in
Minneapolis here about 1935> do you not?
MR. CLARK: Yes, sir. I know it, and it was
water-borne. I wasn't going to bring that up.
(Laughter. )
MR. STEIN: You did visit one in Switzerland
last year, didn't you?
MR. CLARK: I visited one in Switzerland. That
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181
J. M. Rademacher
was due to the fact that the water contained fecal excreta
from a carrier* and it amounted to some thouaand oaaea, I
believe.
DR. HARORAVES: A lot of salmonella belongs to that
group too, and we have a problem at the preaent tine that I
think people might be interested to know that the common
duck is one of the common carriers, and It has been transmitters
by the duck eggs to people who have eaten duck eggs. This is
a sort of paratyphoid type of infection we have been plagued
with in the last few years.
MR. CLARK: Yt-S, sir.
To continue with Mr. Wilson's question, the
salmonella ean cause various types of food poisoning. Many
of those cases, I think, can be such that they are accompanied
by a little distress, headache, but not of sufficient
intensity to go to bed, just to lose a little bit of work.
You don't eat for a while, and I think those belong to the
salmonella group.
Then we have also isolated tuberculosis organisms
from water. Also, tularemia has been isolated from some
water supplies, particularly in the Canadian western lakes.
There Is also the possibility of viruses being isolated from
water or being preaent in the water. We had Isolated polio
virus from sewage and water waste In Manila during World
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182
J. M. Hade*aoner
War II. We have documented several eases of infectious
hepatitis being spread by water-borne causes, where the
chlorinatlon was sufficient to destroy all our Indicator
organisms, but still not sufficient to destroy the Infectious
hepatitis.
In some of the tropics, cholera Is one of your
big water-borne diseases, as well as diarrhea caused by
amoeba.
So, those are some of the diseases that may be
water-borne, net exclusively or completely, but a few
examples.
DR. MARGRAVES: There is only one other thing.
I think you further drive this home, and with the world
travel that we have, we are seeing more and more people
bring these things back, staying at hotels and motels and
being in hospitals, and having them go on through the,
sewage disposal plants and into our water too.
MR. MUEQQE: Mr. Clark, could you give us a ratio
of collform organisms in sewage as compared to the fecal
conforms In sewage?
MR. CLARK: I was hoping nobody would ask that
question. It varies.
In the domestic sewage from the Hyde Park area
In Cincinnati, it will run about 3^ percent, and in a
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103
J. N. Rademacher
series of 30 different sewagea of different cities, the
ratio varied front 25 percent to around 55 percent.
The freaher the sewage and the leaa treatment it
haa, the higher the percentage of fecal collform ia to the
total collform.
MR. MUEOQE: Could you give us a aimilar
comparison between the fecal collform and probable pathogens?
MR. CLARK: No, sir. The probability of
pathogena would vary with each individual area. It would
depend upon what kind of epidemic you had going on in the
waterahed. It would depend upon your carrier rate. It would
depend upon your climatic rate. It would depend upon your
social economic level. It would depend upon the efficiency
of your public Health regulations and Public Health Depart-
ment. It would depend upon a whole variety of factors, also
on climatic factora, and I wouldn't even risk a guess.
MR. STEINs Before you leave, let me check if
I am right on this, I know this is a really technical
discussion.
As I understand this, the situation we have in
dealing with the pathogens is that if a disease-producing
organiam, whether it be bacteria, or a virus, or what have
you, ia in the water, generally the numbers of these actually
disease-producing organisms are so relatively few, that It
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184
J. M. Rademacher
ia vary, very difficult for one of the investigators to
particularly Isolate them.
What they do then is try to get an indicator
organism, such as the conforms or the atreptococci or the
staphylococol organisms, and try to identify where it cornea
from, on the assumption that if you can identify this with
enough indicator organisms from, say, sewage which is not
being treated, statistically you can assume that the
disease-producing organisms are there.
If you get that, for example, from a runoff from
fields, you would assume that less disease-producing organism^
are there. If you get this from, say, packinghouse waate
rather than human waste, I think the assumption of the kind
of disease potential or hazard you would get would be
different.
This la the significance of Mr. Clark's work and
his discovery. If I have oversimplified it or overstated
that, you can comment.
MR. CLARK: I would like to add one additional
qualification.
MR. STEIN: Very well.
MR. CLARK: In our work, we have found that the
maximum reservoir of pathogenic salmonella are the turkey,
the duck and the chicken, and that they are far greater
-------
J. N, Rademaoher
hazards than humans, »o I do not see any logical reason for
separating domestic animal pollution from human pollution
as far aa the public health hazard goes.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
MR. WILSON: Mr. Chairman, while Mr. Clark in
here, I should like to say that he was one of the star
witnesses during the hearings conducted by the Minnesota
Hater Pollution Control Commission in preparation for the
adoption of the standards for these sections of the
Mississippi River last March that were mentioned by Mr.
Rademacher, and I should like to express our public appreci-
ation to Mr. Clark and his associates in the public Health
Service for the notable assistance that they gave us during
that effort.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
MR. CLARK: Thank you, Mr. Wilson.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Poston?
MR. POSTON: As the Federal conferee, I am
anxious that other Federal agencies have an opportunity to
tell of their concern for pollution and clean water and
the water uaea that they majr be interested in, and for this
purpose I have written and requested the Federal agencies
if they oared to be heard at this meeting.
Ve have today with us Mr. H. C. Jordahl,
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186
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
representing the United State* Departnent of the Interior.
I would like to ask at this tlae that he make his presentatloh
on the interests of the Departnent of the Interior.
STATEMENT OP HAROLD C. JORDAHL, JR.,
REGIONAL COORDINATOR, UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR, IN THE
STATES OP MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN,
IOWA AND ILLINOIS
MR. JORDAHL: Thank you, Mr. Poston.
Mr. Chairman, conferees and ladles and gentlemen:
My name Is Harold C. Jordahl, Jr., Regional
Coordinator for the U. S. Departnent of the Interior In the
States of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.
I have a longer statement for the record which
has been provided to your reporter. What I would like to do
is briefly condense this statement for oral presentation.
MR. STEIN: Your full statement will appear as
if read.
MR. JORDAHL: The Department la pleased that the
States of Minnesota and Wisconsin are concerned with the
natter of pollution on the Upper Mississippi River. We
pledge our assistance and cooperation to the States and to
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107
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
the Public Health Service in the specific action designed to
•eet the problem in that reach of the river from Anoka,
Minnesota, through Lake Pepin, including the major tributarie^
Secretary of the Interior Stuart Udall, in a
statement before a subcommittee of the House Committee on
Government 0 erations early in 1963 expressed the Department
of the Interior's interest in maintenance of clean water as
follows:
"... the focus of Interior effort Is directed
to the maintenance of adequate national water
supplies and adequate water quality for whatever
uses man may wish to make of this valuable resource.
The Interior approach emphasizes the coordination
and interrelation between uses and the effect of
these uses on management and quality of the total
water supply system.
"Maintenance of water quality involves not
only the quality levels for human consumption, but
also quality levels for consumption by other animal
and plant life, for development of other natural
resources, and for industrial processes. These
quality considerations are interrelated. They can
be understood and controlled best from the point
of view of water as a resource, rather than from the
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138
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
"point of view of a particular quality need."
The Department of the Interior ha» a rich back-
ground of experience and knowledge In this area and la
equipped with highly qualified technical manpower. All
bureaus and offloea of the Department have an Interest In
water resources. In the Mississippi River, the Bureaus of
Outdoor Recreation, Commercial Fisheries, Sport Fisheries
and Wildlife, Indian Affairs, Nines, Geological Survey and
National Park Service have a direct interest. Representa-
tives of several of these bureaus are here today, and I
will introduce them to you.
Turning first to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation,
I don't believe we have a representative here today.
That portion of the Mississippi River under
consideration has a rich variety of natural resources with
which the Department has a concern. The area is located
within the Upper (Treat Lakes Region, which with Its forests,
lakes, and rivers and its summertime air-conditioned environ-
ment, offers a great playground for the vast urban areas in
the upper Midwest.
The nine upper Midwest States which make up Mid-
Amerlea contain 50 million people. Much of thisjalvs-State
region is flat or gently rolling prairie, plain and field,
and has a relative scarcity of water and topographic
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189
H. C. Jordahl. Jr.
resource! for recreation purposes, but many fine highways
provide ready aooeas to all point* of the compass. Mld-
Amerlcane making plan* for vacatlona and outdoor recreation
look to the Oearka in the Southwest, to the Smoky Mountains
in the Southeast, or to this Oreat Lakes region to the north.
The highway pattern in Mid-America indicates that
the Upper Mississippi River is within easy reach of theae
50 million people. The States along the Mississippi River
are developing the Great River Road Parkway along the river.
Moreover, the area under study includes the large metro-
politan Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, complex.
I might say, in conjunction with that, that a
considerable amount of planning work has been done by the
National Park Service, the Bureau of Public Roads, and
the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin, developing this great
scenic highway.
Moreover, considerable investments have been made
by both the Federal and the two State governments in terms
of route relocations to preserve the beauty along this great
scenic river.
Of more local concern to the Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation la the importance of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi
River to Anoka, Minnesota, to provide recreation opportuni-
ties for the local segment. Within a few minutes drive of
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190
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
this reach of the river over a Million people reside. The
Mississippi River, in its preaent condition, fulfills a need
for day uae recreation activities of many of theae people
and extended vacations for others. To achieve ita full
\
potential, however, clean water la essential if the area
la to make ita contribution to the social goal and to share
in the economic proceeds associated with a healthy recreation
tourist industry. To establish a balanced recreational
economy it is necessary to build on the natural resource
base — the scenery, the forests, the wildlife and perhaps
moat important, the water resources.
Populations of deer, ducks, grouse, upland game
and other forms of wildlife are important assets in the
basin, as are warmwater fishes. Boating and canoeing
opportunities exist on many lakes and streams in the basin
and on the main stem. Hiking, swimming, camping and driving
for pleasure are other important forms of outdoor recreation
possible In this area. And, in one way or another, these
activities in large measure are dependent upon well managed
water resources.
The Outdoor Recreation Resource Review Commission
in their voluminous studies highlighted the importance of
water to outdoor recreation as follows:
"Water is a fooal point of outdoor recreation.
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191
H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
"Most people seeking outdoor r«cr«ation want
wat«r — to alt by, to awian and to fiah in, to
akl acroaa, to dive under and to run their boata
over. Swinging is now one of the most popular
outdoor activities and la likely to be the moat
popular of all by the turn of the century. Boating
and fishing are among the top ten activitiea.
Camping, picnicking and hiking, also high on the
list, are more attractive near water sites. About
90 percent of all Americans participated in some
form of outdoor recreation In I960 -- a total of
4.*» billion occasions. By 1976, the total will be
6.9 billion, and by the year 2000, it will be 12.4
billion — a three-fold increaae by the turn of
the century.''
To protect, enhance, and to assist in develop-
ing the Important recreation resources in the Upper
Mississippi River Basin are the following Interior Agencies:
National Park Service, Pish and Wildlife Service and Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation. The Congress recently veated the
latter bureau with broad responsibilities associated with
the recreation needs of the American people.
Turning now to the interests of the Bureau of
Sports Fisheries and Wildlife, we have a representative of
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192
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
that Bureau here today, but h« la representing a different
group and will make a separata statement for that organ! ea-
tlon at a latar tine.
The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife ia
vitally interested in protecting and enhancing the quality
of all waters throxighout the nation. In thia respect, the
Bureau ia a aignatory to a Memorandum of Underatandlng with
the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare concerning
water pollution control. This agreement was developed in
recognition of common interests in the field of water pollu-
tion and to make possible a more effective program of inter-
agency cooperation.
It is in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act of 1956 which authorized the Secretary
of the Interior, through the Fish and Wildlife Service and
the Bureau of Mines, to make such investigations aa he
deems necessary to determine the effects of domestic sewage,
mine, petroleum, and industrial wastes, erosion silt, and
other polluting substances on wildlife, and to make reports
to the Congreas concerning such investigations and of recom-
mendations for alleviating dangerous and undesirable effects
of such pollution. These Investigations shall includet (l)
the determination of atandarda of water quality for the
maintenance of wildlife) (2) the atudy of methods of abating
-------
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
and preventing pollution, and (3) the collection and
diatribution of data on the progreaa and reaulta of auch
inveatigatlona for the use of Federal, State, municipal,
and private agencies, individual organizations and enter-
prises.
The Mississippi River at its source in Itasca
County, Minnesota, flows through a region of forests, lakes
and bogs sparsely populated except for the summer months. It
begins its Journey to the Gulf aa pure water. Mile after
mile it flows, southward through wilderness areas of central
Minnesota, thence into the more populated and open areas to
the south, all the while picking up additional flow from
tributary streams. The river passes out of the forested
area into regions of agricultural activities, housing develop
ment and industrial complexes, all of which contribute
foreign substances to the river. Some of this material
enriches the productive capacity of the water while other
materials provide toxic and harmful effects on the aquatic
organisms of the river To date the materials having a
harmful effect on the quality of the Mississippi River above
Coon Rapids Dam have been minor except for a few isolated
and local conditions.
The quality of the river water abruptly changes
at and downstream from the Twin City area since the
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19*
M. C. Jordahl, Jr.
Mississippi River provides a major portion of the basic
water resource needs of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro-
politan complex. It is the carrier for all forma of waste
product* associated with this population center and la being
despoiled.
As early as 1928, surveys were conducted by the
Minnesota State Board of Health In the reach between the
Twin Cities and Prescott, Wisconsin, to determine the extent
of pollution and remedial measures needed. The report of
the Board noted the presence of offensive odors, floating
and suspended materials, sludge and the ebullition of gases
arising at numerous places along the river. It was stated
further, "that a condition of public nuisance exists, except
during periods of relatively high water, between the head of
the pool above the Twin City Lock and Dam in Minneapolis
and the confluence with the St. Croix River at Prescott,
Wisconsin." Another survey from Pridley to Hastings,
Minnesota, In 1933 showed that pollution had not improved; in
fact, it was more pronounced.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary Plant, constructed
in 1938, and the St. Paul Waste Plant completed in 19*0,
reduced the volume of raw sanitary sewage entering the river.
However, industrial and storm sewer wastes still create
problems.
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195
H. C, Jordahl, Jr.
Where the environment becomes changed or damaged
by pollution, the fish population and fish-food organism*
have to adjust to the altered conditions or perish. This
produces fluctuations of abundance, changes In species com-
position, changes in growth rate, and many other modifica-
tions of the plant and animal life present.
The polluted condition of the Mississippi River
between Minneapolis and Hastings, Minnesota, has Improved
slowly. An environment unfavorable to fish life prevails
in the main channel and most backwater areas of Pool #2. The
gradual degradation of the aquatic habitat has developed
from accumulated wastes discharged into the river over a
period of many years at and below the Twin Cities. Only in
some of the more isolated backwater areas such as Spring
Lake does a sport and commercial fishery still exist.
Dissolved oxygen la one of the major controlling
factors In the distribution of fish in the polluted upper
river. The Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District has
consistently recorded dissolved oxygen levels below 2 ppm,
in the vicinity of Hastings during the months of January,
February, March, and August. In February of 1962, the
DO'S averaged 0.5 ppm between the bridge and dam at Hastings,
Minnesota. The low DO's occur seasonally during periods of
low flow.
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196
H. C. Jordan!, Jr.
The distribution of fish is also affected by
direct toxleity to fry mod adults, scarcity of desirable
bottom faun*, and destruction of spawning areas.
Information in the form of letters from anglers,
telephone conversations, and press releases in the files of
the Section of Research and Planning, Minnesota Conservation
Department include accounts on fish kills above Hastings, j
Minnesota, and tainted flesh of fish caught in this reach.
This is not unusual for an area that provides borderline
j
habitat conditions for fish life. Fish losses below Hastingsj
i
have been infrequent.
Not only is aquatic animal life affected by dis-
charge of foreign materials into the river but losses occur
also to waterfowl, marsh birds, and fur animals such as music-!
rats, mink and beaver. The events of the winter of 1962-63,
when 3,000,000 gallons of soybean oil and 1,000,000 gallons o:
crude oil distillate escaped into the Minnesota River and
thence into the Mississippi River vividly portrayed the
devastating results of pollutants on wildlife, especially
waterfowl. Several thousand dead and dying ducks along with
other wildlife species were reported from stretches of the
Minnesota River and the Mississippi River as far south as
La Cross*, Wisconsin. During the period March 28 to April 5»
1963, it was estimated that over 5*000 waterfowl were either
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197
H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
killed or otherwise affected by the soybean and petroleum
spills. However, since many of the ducks heavily drenched
with oil tended to crawl into dense cover where they were
difficult to find, the total number of ducks lost is probably
much larger than the number reported.
Between April 6-9, 1951* oil pollution in the
vicinity of Red Wing, Minnesota, killed 250 ducks. Again
this figure i0 probably the minimum.
The future of the sport and commercial fishery
and wildlife in and near the Mississippi River and its
tributaries between the Rum River at Anoka, Minnesota, and
the Chippewa River at the loiser end of Lake Pep in will depend I
heavily upon the measures that are initiated to control the
discharge of all types of pollutants into the Mississippi
River. A repeat of the oil contamination of 1962-63 should
never be allowed to recur. Every effort must be made to im-
prove the existing fish and wildlife habitat so as to develop
and maintain a harvestable supply of fish and game species.
Sport fishing is an important summer and winter
recreational activity in the Mississippi River primarily downf
stream from its confluence with the St. Croix River at
Prescott, Wisconsin. Upstream from this point, fishing is
confined primarily to the tallwater reaches of Look and Dems
1, 2 and the Coon Rapids Dam near Anoka. Surveys conducted
-------
(Suraaer)
(Sutmaer)
(Sunnier)
(Summer)
(Suraaer)
(Summer and Winter)
(Sunaner)
198
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
by the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee and
Conservation Departments of Wisconsin and Minnesota indicate
that the sport fish harvest for Pools 1 and 2 are negligible.
The reported average annual oatah for Pool 3 is 8,000 pounds
and for Pool 4 is 73*000 pounds. Sport fishermen generally
concentrate in the following areas:
Lock: and Dam #2 - tallwafcer
Mouth of St. Croix River
Lock and Dam $3 - tailwafcer
Trenton Slough Area, Wisconsin
Vicinity of Red Wing, Minnesota
Goose Lake, Wisconsin
Bay City Area, Wisconsin
Vicinity of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin (Winter)
Vicinity of Frontenao, Minnesota (Summer and Winter)
Frontenac to Lake City, Minnesota
Vicinity of Stockholm, Wisconsin
Lake City, Minnesota
Mouth of Bogus Creek, Wisconsin
Vicinity of Pepin, Wisconsin
Lower end of Lake Pepin
Pools 2, 3 and 4 of the Mississippi River upatrea
from the mouth of the Chlppewa River are spring and fall con-
centration areas for diving duetcs, particularly scaup, ring-
(Summer)
(Summer and Winter)
(Summer and Winter)
(Siaaraer)
(Summer)
(Summer and Winter)
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199 !
H. C. Jordahl,
necked ducks and goldeneyes. Several thousand have been noted
during the waterfowl surveys, periodically conducted by the
Bureau and the respective State Conservation Departments. It
is not unconaaon for 1Q,OOO or more ducks to concentrate In this
Spring Lake area where, incidentally, a large percentage of
the ducks killed by oil in 1962-63 were found. Fair popula-
tions of mallards and other puddle ducks and small numbers of
Canada geese, and whistling swans also use fche river and betak-
wacer areas during the migratory seasons.
The entire river le suitable wood duck breeding
habitat and substantial numbers &SQ produced. Other breeding
waterfowl include mallard and blue-•winged teal.
There Is little doubt; Lmu this reach of fche river
l
will be a0e<3 by a progressively increasing number of flahermeri
and hunters. Therefore, it should be cite primary purpose of j
i
Individuals, communities, and State and Federal agencies 1
i
having an interest In the Mississippi River to develop a j
*
mutual comprehensive program for reducing the pollution of j
i
this Interstate stream. i
f
There should be stringent regulatory controls set j
i
forth for the discharge of sanitary, storm and Industrial i
I
i
wastes into the river in order to prevent further deteriora-
tion of the fish and wildlife habitat conditions In the
Mississippi River along and beyond the Mississippi River reach
presently under consideration.
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200
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
The Department of the Interior through Its Bureau
of Sport* Fisheries & Wildlife is a major land and water
management agenoy for that reach of the river fran Lake Pepln
to Rook Island, Illinois. For 234 miles, there stretches one
of the most notable wildlife areas on the North American
continent, the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife & Fish Refuge
This refuge, 195,OCX) acres in extent, was established by the
Congress in 1924.
Each year the refuge accommodates more than three
million visitors; more than any other refuge in the nation.
Activities include fishing, boating, hunting, picnicking,
oamp Ing, swimming and nature study. It Is & major resting
area for waterfowl during migrations. More than 25 species
of ducks use the area. It Is a major nesting area for the
wood duck. The bald eagle winters In the refuge; winter
counts have exceeded 250. A refuge bird list Includes more
than 250 species. Muskrat, mink, otter and raccoon are oommo
furbearers. Deer are common.
In addition to the refuge, the Bureau operates
three warm water fish hatcheries below Lake Pep in — Genoa,
Wisconsin, and the Guttenburg and Fairport hatcheries In lowal
To protect the sizeable investments and the publip
Interest, it is extremely important to the Department that
the quality of the water be of a high level when it reaches
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201
H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
the Upper Mississippi Wildlife fc Fifth Refuge. Abatement
efforts in the reach from Lake Pepln to the Rum River will
have a beneficial effect on protecting these interests.
The Bureau of Sports Fisheries & Wildlife will
work closely with the States and the Public Health Service
on the maintenance and improvement of water quality in the
river. I believe Dr. Paul Eschraeyer, from the regional offic
is here. If he IB, I would like to have him stand briefly
and I will introduce him. Dr. Esohraeyer.
BURKAU OF CQPtlERClAL FISHERIES
The 1956 Act and a wide variety of other statutes
enacted over the years, authorize a broad range of activity
by the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. The national fish
policy established by the 1956 Act places high on the list of
goals the responsibility for the economic betterment of the
consnercial fishing industry in all its phases — production,
processing, and distribution. Responsibility extends to
the control and prevention of pollution. Pollution is probabljy
the primary factor today that limits the production of food
fish and in fact threatens future fish production. The
measure of pollution as used here is the suitability of water
for a required use. The Bureau of Commercial Fisheries is
concerned with the suitability of the waters of the Mississippi!
River for production of fish and fish food organisms.
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H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
The fishermen of America have played a unique par;
in this country's economy since its founding. Fisheries are
still of major importance to many sections of the country.
Employment, direct and indirect, is furnished to 500,000
citizens. Today our fisheries supply over five billion pound
of fish each year, about half of which is used for human food
The fish catch, when processed, is worth over a billion
dollars annually at the retail level.
The commercial fisheries of the Mississippi River
are not particularly vital to the total economy of the valley
The present commercial catch of about 30 million pounds, wort£
eight million dollars, is only a small percentage of the tota
U. S. catch. Likewise, the 10,OOO fishermen are only a small
fraction of the total employment of the valley. The commer-
cial fishery nevertheless has contributed materially and
steadily to the total benefits derived from the mightiest of
rivers. Their worth could be increased materially. When
fully developed, and with pollution under control, the commer-
cial fishery of the Mississippi River and her vast tributariei
can be expected to produce upwards of a billion pounds of
fish annually. This choice animal protein is going to be
needed in a few years to feed the world's expanding human
population.
Within the area under study commercial fishing
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H. C. Jox-aahi,
activities are confined primarily to Spring I*k» In Pool 2,
and all of Pools 3 and 4, Carp, buffalo and catfish oonpoae
about 67 percent and sheepshead about 30 percent of the
annual harvest . The remaining three percent represents eight
other species classified as commercial fish. This fishery
Is economically valuable » More than 1,000*000 pounds of carp
and other commercial fish are harvested annually from these
pools. In 1961, for example, about 116,000 pounds were
seined from the Spring Lake area of Pool 2, and about 104,000
and 1,7^5,000 pounds were harvested from Pools 3 and 4 j
respectively.
Our aquatic resources are far more valuable than
Is Indicated by the number of persons they support or the
dollar value of their products.
1. They are living, renewable resources which
can continue to make their contribution to our welfare
forever If we treat them wisely.
2. They enrich our diet with variety.
3. They promote our health, providing dietary
supplements such as vitamins, trace minerals, and the
essential requirements in wider variety than any other
class of foods.
4. They have, because of the unique properties
of their proteins and oils, potential uses as phanaa-
oeutioals and Industrial chemicals.
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H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
5. They supply to our animal industries vital
proteins, fats and growth factor*.
6. They develop the seafaring qualities of our
people and provide marine facilities end equipment sorely
needed by an America now faced with transoceanic probleaks
and wide responsibilities in a changing world.
i
!
The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 recognizes that
fish and shellfish are capable of making a valuable continuous
contribution to the national economy, food supply and health,
recreation, and well being of our citizens. When these '
resources are properly protected, properly developed* property
managed, and properly utilized, the Act considers them capable
i
of being greatly increased. Control of pollution is one j
conservation measure that must be practiced. The alternative
j
is destruction by neglect.
It is the National Fish Policy to;
1. Increase and maintain forever, for the people
of the United States, a fishery resource capable of
yielding the maximum annual product.
2. Strengthen and maintain a vigorous fishery
industry by assuring full and fair access to the
American market.
3. Do these things in partnership with the
States and in full accordance with our international
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H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
obligation*, and without sacrificing the system of free
enterprise.
In pursuing these policies the Federal Government
has a responsibility to the public as a whole to see that out
fishery resources are utilized to the fullest economic extent
without damage to their future productivity.
A deeper look into the complex problems facing
our fishing industry today is a look into the major trends
operating over decades, that have produced the critical prob-
lems now facing us.
Our population growth, the change from rural to
urban economy, and Industrial development have caused in-
creasing complications: First from domestic wastes, then
from dams, industrial wastes, channel and harbor improve-
ments, marsh drainage and conversion of marshlands and back- ;
waters to residential and industrial sites; more recently
from the widespread and rapidly expanding use of insecticides
herbicides, detergents, and a host of other technological
developments; and now the possible dangers introduced by
disposal of radioactive wastes from research, industry and
other uses.
Our raw material, the fishes, and the organisms
upon which they depend for food, consist of the living
resources in rivers, lakes and the sea* They are the property
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H. C. Joraahl, Jr.
of no nan until caught. In life they art the concern of the
people and oan be conserved and managed by governmental
authority — local. State, Federal or International. Hidden
as they are beneath the surface of the water, special and
complicated techniques are needed to find out how they can
be managed so as to yield maximum sustained production.
Sound management requires an understanding of the nature of
living resources. The stocks of fish which support our
i
i
fisheries are self-renewing. They do not exist in limited j
i
quantities, like our mineral resources, to be used once and i
thereafter be gone forever. Living resources can endure
forever, and therefore are more valuable, by far, than the
annual yield would suggest. This is true only if we manage
them wisely, and we oan do this only if we understand the
habits of the aquatic animals and plants and their inter- j
!
relationships with each other and with the environment. |
i
Where the environment becomes changed or restrlotted
by pollution, the fish population and fish food organisms j
I
have to adjust themselves to altered conditions. This ;
produces fluctuations of abundance, changes in speeies compo-
sition* changes in growth rate and many other things, most
of which do not benefit mankind. This has happened in the
Mississippi River where the environment has been changed or
rendered unfit by pollution.
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H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
The mighty Mississippi River with its many
tributaries, oan rightfully be included among our nation's
major natural resource*.. Through the years we have been led
to believe that the Mississippi oan be little affeoted by the
activities of man. Recent studies and observations show that
many sections of this river have been adversely affected by
pollution. The severity of the pollution is evidenced by
violent fluctuations in species composition by not only
fishes but of other aquatic organisms. The choicer fishes
are being replaced by less Valuable species which have a
greater tolerance for turbidity and low oxygen. The gradual
accumulation of wastes day after day may render the water a
barren wasteland to fish.
Most important to fishery utilization Is the
capacity of a fish population to restore itself after its
numbers have been reduced or changed. For this reason all
Is not lost. By cleaning up pollution, the restoration of
our fishery resources oan become a reality. Once again we
will be able to see, capture and eat the choicer varieties
of fish which are no longer present or are present in limited
numbers.
BUREAU OP INDIAN AFFAIRS
In behalf of several Sioux Indian communities,
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H, 0. Jordahl, Jr.
the Bureau of Indian Affair* Is Interested In tht area of the
enforcement action on the Mississippi River.
The residents of the Prairie Island Bid Ian
Reservation above Dam No. 3 mere adversely affeeted by the
oil pollution last spring. The Indian people on this reserv4~
tlon have perpetual use rights to 3,000 acres of Corps of
Engineers land adjacent to their reservation and use this
area for hunting and fishing. Approximately 86 Indians live
hare.
The Upper Sioux Community near Granite Falls,
Minnesota, and the Lower Sioux Community near Morton,
Minnesota, are both situated along the banks and bottoms of
the Minnesota River. This river Is the major tributary of
the Mississippi within the reach of river under study.
Any action that would affect the productivity of
the river bottoms, or the quality of the available waters,
would have an Influence on the Indian people residing on or
near the community-owned reservation lands.
The present Interests of the Indian people extend
to a small portion of the river basin. To these small hold-
ings, these people attach their heritage, freedom, and live-
lihood. These reservation areas are Important to the Bureau
of Indian Affairs and to the Indian people who live there.
I believe, turning briefly to the Bureau of Mines
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K. C. Jordahl, Jr.
that we Have Mr. Bishop, Director of the Bureau of Mines,
Minneapolis here. Mr. Biafaop.
Adequate supplies of usable water are eaaentlal
to the mineral industry. Ac in many otter industries, the
quantity and quality of available neater arc vital factors in
tia* development of an economic operation. Consideration for
the needs of the mineral industry must be included in a study
of the nature being considered. Regulations on water dis-
charges from a mineral-based operation must be consistent
with good industry practices and must be based on factual
evidence. The Bureau of Mines has the scientific and
technologic abilities to assist in studies of the mineral
industries with the objective of Improving health conditions*
increasing safety and efficiency and preventing economic
waste.
Within the area under consideration mineral
production is confined to sand, gravel, stone and clay. Host
of the operating plants in the area require moderate amounts
of water for washing and processing. There are no fuels
produced in the area under study. In addition to the mining
operations, there is a large mineral-based industrial complex
at Pine Bend, Minnesota. In this are located an oil refinery«
a phosphate fertiliser plant, and an ammonia plant — all
users of substantial quantities of water.
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H. C, Jordahl, Jr.
The Bureau has just completed a canvass of the
mineral industry to establish water UM and water needs of
the mineral industry. The study included development of data
on the treatment methods in relation to quantity and quality
of water discharged from operating plants. These data will
be useful in arriving at solutions to water problems which
may arise in the mineral industry.
The Bureau of Mines can contribute to the study
by identifying number and location of existing mineral-based
industries and determining the water requirements, as well a*
i
i
the water discharges, from these establishments. Prediction
i
I
of future water requirements of the mineral industry are alsoj
a province where the Bureau's special abilities can be
utilized.
Assistant Secretary of Interior Carver, in a
statement on July 8, 1963, stated the following relative to
the role of the Bureau of Mines in the pollution control
field:
"Mineral-industry water interests initially
conflict with all other major water interests. To
ameliorate such conflicts, the Bureau of Mines of
this Department encourages the mineral industries
to practice water conservation, including water-
quality control. In this way, we promote attainment
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H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
"of an equitable use balance within the total national
demand for water. Water withdrawn from natural supplies
must be used over and over where feasible. Waste water
effluents must not be allowed to impair significantly
the quality of our water supplies.
"Under the provisions of the Bureau of Mines
Organic Act, It is both the province and the duty of
the Secretary of the Interior to conduct economic
Inquiries and scientific and technologic investigations
among the mineral Industries with the aim of improving
health conditions, increasing safety and efficiency,
and preventing economic waste . . . Close contact with
current Industrial practices is maintained through
activities that Include: 1) conduct of cooperative
studies with State and other governmental agencies
and with Industry; 2) participation in the committee
work of technical societies; and 3) informal exchanges
of information between bureau and industrial specialist8
in appropriate fields."
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The other major bureau of the Department, the
Geological Survey, can assist you in the studies and investi-
gations which will be conducted in this reach of the river.
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H. C, Jordahl, Jr.
Because this agency can mates a major contribution to the
study, a Mpar*t« statement will be submitted at this
conference.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Carver In the statement previously noted
•treated the essential element of cooperation as follows:
"In the early days of water resources conservation
and development, there was little need for coordination
among the various Federal agencies Involved. The field
was so sparsely occupied» water problems — especially
water-quality problems — were so relatively less urgent
than they are now, that coordination was not then a
major consideration. Today, and In the years ahead,
close and effective coordination Is essential. This
Department and other Federal agencies must pool their
resources In order to accomplish our goal of acceptable
levels of water quality for our natural resources and
our economic needs."
On behalf of the Department of the Interior, Its
agencies and bureaus* and in line with this statement, we
assure you that we will make every effort to assist on this
study and to achieve a goal of acceptable water quality in
the Mississippi River from Anolca, Minnesota, through lake Papla.
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H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Thank you* Mr. Jordahl, for an
excellent statement. I want to thank you particularly for
condensing your statement and rushing It to meet our time
exigencies. You were right on the nose.
The Department of the Interior, as you know, is
one of our closest sister agencies In the Federal establish-
ment, and we work very closely and cooperatively with them,
as we do with the corps of Engineers and several other
agencies, on all aspects of water quality.
MR. MliEQGE: Mr. Chairman, could the memorandum
agreement that Mr. Jordahl referred to be made part of the
appendices of this report?
MR. STEIN: Yes. How long Is that, Mr. Jordahl?
MR. JORDAHL: As I recall, It is about four pagei
MR. STEIN: We will put that Into the transcript
for easy reference.
(The documents submitted for inclusion In the
record by Mr. Jordahl are as follows:
FISH AND WII&LIFE COORDINATION ACT*
(."The Act of March 10, 1934, 48 Stat. 401, as amended
by the Act of August 14, 1946, 60 Stat. 1080j the Act
of June 19, 1948, 62 Stat. 497; and the Act of August
12, 1958, 72 Stat. 5631 16 U.S.C. 661 et *eq.
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Hs G9 Jordahl, Jr.
f*The latest revision (Act of August 12, 1958) establishes
the official title of thla legislation as the "Piaa
and Wildlife Coordination Aet"i it also revised the
first four sections of thelegislation and contains an
authorization for appropriations.}
The following compilation of provisions of the
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act has been prepared for
convenient reference t
SEC. 1. For the purpose of recognizing the
vital contribution of our wildlife resources to the Nation,
the increasing public interest and significance thereof due
to expansion of our national economy and other factors* and
to provide that wildlife conservation shall receive equal
i
consideration and be coordinated with other features of water!-
i
resource development programs through the effectual and
harmonious planning, development, maintenance, and coordina-
tion of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation for the
purposes of this Act in the United States, its Territories
and possessions* the Secretary of the Interior is authorized
(1) to provide assistance to, and cooperate with, Federal,
State, and public or private agencies and organizations in
the development, protection, rearing, and stocking of all
species of wildlife, resources thereof, and their habitat,
in controlling losses of the sans from disease or other
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if. C. Jordahi, Jr.
causes, in Rlniaidng dnmafts froa overabundant specie*, in
providing publio shooting and fishing areas* Including ease-
aents aoross publio lands for access thereto, and in carrying
out other measures necessary to effeetuate the purposes of
this Act; (2) to aalct surveys and investigations of the wild-
life of the public domain, including lands and Maters or
interests therein acquired or controlled by any agency of the
United States; and (3) to accept donations of land and
contributions of funds in furtherance of the purposes of
this Act.
SEC. 2 (a) Except as hereafter stated in sub-
section (h) of this section, whenever the waters of any streams
or other body of water are proposed or authorized to be
iopounded, diverted, the channel deepened, or the stream or
other body of Mater otherwise controlled or modified for any
purpose whatever, including navigation and drainage, by any
departaent or agency of the United States, or by any publio
or private agency under Federal permit or license, such
departaent or agency first shall consult with the United
States Pish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior,
and with the head of the agency exercising administration
over the wildlife resources of the particular State wherein
the impoundment, diversion, or other control facility is to
be constructed, with a view to the conservation of wildlife
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K. C, Jordahl, Jr.
resources by preventing loss of and damage to suoh resources
ma wall as providing for the development and improvement
thereof in connection with such water-resource development.
(b) In furtherance of such purposes* the report
and recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior on the
wildlife aspects of such projects, and any report of the he
of the State agency exercising administration over the wild-
life resources of the State, based on surveys and Investiga-
tions conducted by the United States Pish and Wildlife
Service and such State agency for the purpose of determining
the possible damage to wildlife resources and for the purpose
of determining means and measures that should be adopted to
prevent the loss of or damage to such wildlife resources, as
well as to provide concurrently for the development and im- i
i
provement of such resources, shall be made an integral part j
i
of any report prepared or submitted by any agency of the
Federal Government responsible for engineering surveys and
construction of such projects when such reports are presented
to the Congress or to any agency or person having the
authority or the power, by administrative action or otherwise^
(1) to authorize the construction of water-resource develop-
ment projects or (2) to approve a report on the modification
or supplementation of plans for previously authorized
projects* to which this Act agliea. Recommendations of the
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H. C. Jordai&l, Jr.
Secretary of the Inter lor shall be as specific as is praotio-
able with respect to features recoranended for wildlife con-
serration and development, lands to be utilised or acquired
for such purposes, the results expected, and shall describe
the damage to wildlife attributable to the project and the
measures proposed for mitigating or compensating for these
damages. The reporting officers in project reports of the
Federal agencies shall give full consideration to the report
and reoamendations of the Secretary of the Interior and to
any report of the State agency on the wildlife aspects of
such projects, and the project plan shall include such
justifiable means and measures for wildlife purposes as the
reporting agency finds should be adopted to obtain maximum
overall project benefits.
(o) Federal agencies authorized to construct or
operate water-control projects are hereby authorized to modify
or add to the structures and operations of such projects, the
construction of which has not been substantially completed
on the date of enactment of the Fish and Wildlife Coordina-
tion Act, and to acquire lands in accordance with section 3
of this Act, in order to acooomodate the means and measures
for such conservation of wildlife resources as an integral
part of such projects: Provided* That for projects authorieekJ
by a specific Act of Congress before the date of enactment of
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H, C. Jordahl, Jr.
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (l) such modification
or land acquisition ahall be compatible with the purposes for
which the project was authorised! (2) the ooat of auoh modi-
fications or land acquisition, aa neana and measures to
prevent loaa of and damage to wildlife resources to the
extent justifiable, ahall he an integral part of the ooat of
auoh projecta; and (3) the ooat of such modlfioationa or land
acquisition for the development or Improvement of wildlife
resources may be included to the extent justifiable, and an
appropriate share of the cost of any project may be allocated
for this purpose with a finding as to the part of such allo- \
i
cated coat, if any, to be reimbursed by non-Federal Interest a!.
(d) The cost of planning for and the construc-
tion or installation and maintenance of such means and neas- !
t
urea adopted to carry out the conservation purposes of this
section shall constitute an integral part of the ooat of such
projects! Provided» That such cost attributable to the de-
velopment and Improvement of wildlife shall not extend beyond
those necessary for (1) land acquisition, (2) modification
of the project, and (3) modification of project operations;
but ahall not include the operation of wildlife facilities
nor the construction of such facilities beyond those herein
described; And provided further. That, in the eaae of
projects authorised to be constructed, operated, and maintained
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H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
In accordance with the Federal reclamation laws (Aot of Junt
17, 1902, 32 Stat. 388, and Acts amendatory thereof or
supplementary thereto), the Secretary of the Interior, In
addition to allocations made under Seotlon 9 of the Reclana-
j
tlon Project Aot of 1939 (53 Stat. 1187), shall make findings)
on the part of the estimated cost of the project which can ;
i
properly be allocated to means and measures to prevent loss i
of and damage to wildlife resources, which costs shall not
i
be reimbursable, and an appropriate share of the project !
costs may be allocated to development and improvement of wild!-
life resources, with a finding as to the part of such allo-
cated costs, if any, to be reimbursed by non-Federal fish i
I
and wildlife agencies or interests. 1
(e) In the case of construction by a Federal
agency, that agency is authorized to transfer to the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, out of appropriations or
other funds made available for investigations, engineering,
or construction, such funds as may be necessary to conduct
all or part of the investigations required to carry out the
purposes of this section.
(f) In addition to other requirements* there
shall be included in any report submitted to Congress sup-
porting a recommendation for authorization of any new project
for the control or use of water as described herein (including
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220
H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
any nw division of such project or new supplemental work* or
»uoh project) an estimation of the wildlife benefits or loss«s
to be derived therefrom Including benefit* to be derived front
i
measure* recommended specifically for the development and
improvement of wildlife resources, the cost of providing wild-
life benefits (Including the cost of additional facilities
to be installed or lands to be acquired specifically for thatj
i
particular phase of wildlife conservation relating to the
development and Improvement of wildlife), the part of the ,
cost of Joint-use facilities allocated to wildlife, and the
part of such costs. If any, to be reimbursed by non-Federal
interests.
(g) The provisions of this section shall be ap-
plicable with respect to any project for the control or use
of water as prescribed herein, or any unit of suoh project
i
authorized before or after the date of enactment of the Pish
and Wildlife Coordination Act for planning or construction,
but shall not be applicable to any project or unit thereof
authorized before the date of enactment of the Fish and Wild-
Llfe Coordination Act if the construction of the particular
project or unit thereof has been substantially completed. A
project or unit thereof shall be considered to be substantialj-
ly completed when sixty percent or more of the estimated
construction cost has been obligated for expenditure.
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221
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
(h) The provisions of this Aot snail not be
applicable to those projects for the impoundment of water
where the maximum surface area of such impoundments is lees
than ten acres, nor to activities for or in connection with
programs primarily for land management and use carried out
by Federal agencies with respect to Federal lands under theizf
Jurisdiction.
SEC. 3. (a) Subject to the exceptions prescribed
in section 2 (h) of this Act, whenever the waters of any i
i
stream or other body of water are Impounded, diverted, the '
channel deepened, or the stream or other body of water other-)
i
i
wise controlled or modified for any purpose whatever, in* !
i
eluding navigation and drainage, by any department or agency
i
of the United States* adequate provision, consistent with
i
the primary purposes of such impoundment, diversion, or other
control, shall be made for the use thereof, together with
any areas of land, water, or interests therein, acquired or
administered by a Federal agency, in connection therewith,
for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife
resources thereof, and its habitat thereon, including the
development and improvement of such wildlife resources pur-
suant to the provisions of section 2 of this Aot.
(b) The use of such waters* land* or interests
therein for wildlife conservation purposes shall be in
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U. C Jordahl, Jr. |
I
accordance with general plans approved jointly (l) by tte j
head of the particular department or agency exercising priaaijy
administration in each instance, (2) by th* Secretary of the
Interior, and (3) by the head of the agency exercising the
administration of the wildlife resources of the particular
State wherein the waters and areas lie. Such waters and '•
other interests shall be made available* without cost for ;
F
administration* by such State agency, if the management of
the properties relate to the conservation of wildlife other
than migratory birds, or by the Secretary of the Interior,,
for administration in such manner as he may deem advisable,
where the particular properties have value in carrying out
the national migratory bird management program: Provided,
That nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting
the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate
with the States or in making lands available to the States i
i
with respect to the management of wildlife and wildlife >
habitat on lands administered by him. ;
(c) When consistent with the purposes of this Aofc
!
and the reports and findings of the Secretary of the Interior!
prepared in accordance with section 2, land, waters, and
interests therein may be acquired by Federal construction !
agencies for the wildlife conservation and development pur-
poses of this Act in connection with a project as reasonably
needed to preserve and assure for the public benefit the
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223
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
wildlife potentials of the particular project areas Provided!,
That before properties are acquired for this purpose* the
probable extent of suoh acquisition shall be set forth, along
with other data necessary for project authorization, in a
report submitted to the Congress, or in the case of a project
previously authorized, no such properties shall be acquired
unless specifically authorized by Congress, if specific
authority for such acquisition Is reooramended by the construe-
!
tion agency. !
(d) Properties acquired for the purposes of this>
i
section shall continue to be used for such purposes, and shalJ
not become the subject of exchange or other transactions if ,
i
such exchange or other transaction would defeat the initial '
purpose of their acquisition.
i
i
(e) Federal lands acquired or withdrawn for •
\
Federal water resource purposes and made available to the \
\
States or to the Secretary of the Interior for wildlife J
management purposes, shall be made available for such purpose^
in accordance with this Act, notwithstanding other provisions
of law.
(f) Any lands acquired pursuanu to this section
by any Federal agency within the exterior boundaries of a
national forest shall, upon acquisition, be added to and
become national forest lands, and shall be administered as a
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22k
H. c. Jordahl, Jr.
part of the foreat within which they are situated, subject te
all lava applicable to lands acquired under the provisions oi
the Act of March 1, 1911 (36 Stat. 961), unless suoh lands
are acquired to carry out the National Migratory Bird Manage-
ment Program.
SEC. 4. Suoh areas as are made available to the
Secretary of the Interior for the purposes of this Act,
pursuant to sections 1 and 3 or pursuant to any other author-
ization* shall be administered by him directly or in accord- j
i
anoe with cooperative agreements entered into pursuant to j
i
the provisions of the firet section of uhis Act and in acoordj-
ance with such rules and regulations for the conservation*
maintenance, and management of wildlife, resources thereof*
and its habitat thereon, as may be adopted by the Secretary
in accordance with general plans approved jointly by the
Secretary of the Interior and the head of the department or
agency exercising primary administration of suoh areast
Provided, That such rules and regulations shall not be in-
consistent with the laws for the protection of fish and gone
of the States in which area is situated (16 U.S.C., sec. 664)
Provided further. That lands having value to the National
Migratory Bird Management Program may* pursuant to general
plans* be made available without coat directly to the State
agency having control over wildlife resources, if it ie
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225
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
Jointly determined by the Secretary of the Interior and such
State agency that this would be In the public Interests And
provided further. That the Secretary of the Interior shall
the right to assume the management and administration of
such lands in behalf of the National Migratory Bird Manage- '
ment Program if the Secretary finds that the State agency
has withdrawn from or otherwise relinquished such management i
and administration. ;
SEC. 5. The Secretary of uhe Interior, through
the Pleh and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Mines, Is
authorised to make such investigations as he deems necessary
to determine uhe effects of domestic sewage, mine, petroleum,
and industrial wastes, erosion, silt, and other polluting
substances on wildlife, and to make reports to the Congress
concerning such investigations and of recommendations for
alleviating dangerous and undesirable effects of such pollu-
tion* These investigations shall include (l) the determina-
tion of standards of water quality for the maintenance of
wildlife; (2) the study of methods of abating and preventing
pollution, including methods for the recovery of useful or
marketable products and byproducts of wastes; and (3) the
collation and distribution of data on tht, prog -ess and
results of such investigations for the use of Federal, State,
municipal, and private agencies, Individuals, organizations,
or enterprises.
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226 ;
B. C. Jordahl, Jr. !
i
SBC. 5A. IK the nanagenent of existing facili-
ties (including looks, dans, and pools) in the Mississippi
River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Minneapolis, Minnesota,
administered by the United States Corps of Engineer* of the
Department of the Arny, that Department is hereby directed
to give full consideration and recognition to the needs of
fish and other wildlife resources and chelr habitat dependent)
on such wauers, without increasing additional liability to ;
the Government, and, to the maximum extent possible without !
causing damage to levee and drainage districts, adjacent
railroads and highways, fara lands, and dam structures, shall
generally operate and maintain pool levels as though naviga-
tion was carried on v-hrouchout the year.
SEC. 6. There Is authorized to be appropriated
from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury not
otherwise appropriated, such amounts as may be necessary to
carry out the provisions of this Act and regulations made
pursuant thereto, including the construction of such facili-
ties, buildings, and other improvements necessary for eoonom-!
leal administration of areas made available to the Secretary j
of the Interior under this Act, and the employment in the j
city of Washington and elsewhere of such persons and means
as ihe Secretary of the Interior may deem neoesoary for such
purposes.
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II. C. Jordahl, Jr.
i
SEC. 7. Any person who shall violate any rule
or regulation promulgated in accordance with this Aot shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall
be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than
one year, or both.
SEC. 0. The terras "wildlife" and "wildlife
resources" as used herein Include birds, fishes, mammals,
and all other classes of wild animals and all types of
aquatic and land vegetation upon which vrlldllfe Is dependent.
SEC. 9. The provisions of this Act shall not
apply to the Tennessee Valley author!uy.
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and ;i Id life
Branch of Management arid iinforcement
Feb. 1962 3112
******
Memorandum of Understanding, Between the Department of the •
Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service) and the Department of
i
Health, Education, and Welfare (Public Health Service) Relatlta
to Control of ^ater Pollution __,
WHEREAS the Department of the Interior is charged1
by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 with the responsibility
i
for all matters primarily relating to fisheries: and
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228
H., C. Jordahl, Jr.
WHEREAS the Public Health Service of tht Depart-
ment of Health, Education, and Welfare is the Federal Agency
charged by the Federal water Pollution Control Act with the
responsibility for all matters relating to water pollution
control: and
WHEREAS the Public Health Service in exercise of
its responsibilities in cooperation with other Federal
agencies, State water pollution control agencies, and inter-
I
state agencies, and with municipalities and industries j
i
involved, prepares and develops comprehensive programs for j
eliminating or reducing the pollution of interstate waters
and tributaries thereof and improving the aanitary conditions!
i
of surface and underground wafers: giving due regard in the i
development of such comprehensive programs? inter alia, to i
J L * ' '~ ~" i
propagation of fish and aquatic life: and !
WHEREAS the Fish and Wildlife Service of the
Department of the Interior has available specialists in fresh
water, shellfish, anadromous and marine fisheries: and
WHii3FU£AS the population growth and industrial
development of this nation creates the special pollution
problems vital to these fisheries i and
WHEREAS the recent cooperative work of the Piah
and Wildlife Service and the Public Health Service haa been
mutually advantageous and productive:
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229
H. C. Jordahl, Jr.
NOW therefore In th* Interests of public health,
efficiency, and economy, to Insure that wauer pollution
control and fishery activities of the Federal Government will
be closely coordinated, and for the purpose of delineating
their reopeetlve functions, the Fish and .jlldllf'e Service and
the Public Health Service mutually agree as follows:
The Public Health Service will invite the Fish
and wildlife Service to participate in Public Health Service
wafcer quality Investigations and studies involving the well-
being of fiali and fisheries.
The Fish and Wildlife Service \illl invite the
Public Health Service to participate in fishery investiga-
tions and studies 01 studies involving water quality.
The agency final informed of large fish kills w
immediately request tlie other to i,articlpa..c in any invest
tlon made by it.
Whenever any ad hoc or standing committee
involving both fishery resources and pollution Is established|
by eiUher agency, the other agency will be invited to nominal^
a representative to sit on the committee as a regular member.
Each agency v;ill designate a staff member to
maintain continuing liaison with the other agency for the
purpose of coordinating program matters of muuual Interest
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230
HatfieId Chilson (a)
Acting Secretary of the Interior
May 22, 1958
Secretary of Health,
Education* and Welfare
July 2k. 1958
MR. STEIN: If there Is nothing further at this
time, because of commitments which have been made we will now
recess for lunch until two o'clock.
(Whereupon a luncheon recess was taken.)
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231
AFTERNOON SESSION
2:00 p.m.
MR. STEIN: We have a telegram here we would like
to put into the record, addressed to us from Congressman
Fraser. It reads:
"May I add ray support as Congressman for
Minneapolis to the call for action to stop pollu-
tion of the waters of the Upper Mississippi and
Minnesota Rivers. Sewage and waste are a danger
to public health. . .bring ontamlnation :>nd death
to fish and wildlife, and are a threat to recreational |
t
use of these rivers. I have reviewed fche report of i
i
Senior Sanitary Engineer, J. M. ^adetnaohcr, and
agree with h5s concluSjon thf?t, 'The ei'i'ects of
pollution this stretch of water are so great as to
require remedial action. '
"In his 1965 budget, President Johnson is
asking Congress for 900 new grants for waste treat-
ment works and an increase of $5 million above the
1964 figure of $29 million for water supply arid
water pollution control activities. The President
certainly wants action to clean up the waters of
America.
"It took the death of 10,000 ducks to ring the
alarm bel] for us in Minnesota. Now the cities, the
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232
"States of Wisconsin and Minnesota and the Federal
Government must act together to rid our riv«ra of
filth, sCUB and debria. Your help Mill be
appreciated.
/B/ Donald M. Praaer."
May Me have the Federal representatives? Perhaps
we may want to finish with the Department of the Interior's
presentation first, before we ask questions.
MR. JORDAHL: Could we finish that, Mr. Chairman?
MR. STEIN: Surely.
MR. BOSTON: Mr. Wilson from the United States
Geological Survey,
MR. JORDAHLt Mr. Wilson :a Division Hydrolegist,
Mid-Continent Area, Geological Survey.
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233
H. Wilson
STATEMENT OF HARRY WILSON, DIVISION
HYDROLOGIST, MID-CONTINENT AREA, UNITED
STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, ST. LOUIS,
MISSOURI
MR. WILSON: Mr Chairman, conferees, ladies and i
gentlemen:
I have submitted a prepared statement for tb- j
record, but I wo; Id 1'ke to depr, *~ from that statement and j
condense the highlights of it ! n the nterests of t:rr«e. i
j
This I plan to do with the aJu .1 two slides. j
i
MR. STEIN: Pardon me. Your statement will appear
aa if read in the record.
MR. WILSON: All right, fine.
The purpose of making th3s presentation is to
stress the complexity of water resources Investigation, the
contributions that the Geological Survey can make to these
investigations, and the necessity Cor coordinated planning
on the part of all interested in water resources investiga-
tions and the protection of quality.
May I have the first slide, please?
Now, you are looking at a rather uncomplicated
hydrologic system, because man has Just begun to develop this
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H. Wilson
particular hypothetical basin. Here the survey can contrlbut,
as it does even in complicated basins, three products that
are of great Intereat to any study.
The firat product, of course, is a topographic
map in which we map the surface contours, take care of the
features that are shown, and other physical features that
would appear on a finished map. These maps, of course, have
great usefulness in investigations, as everyone knows.
The second product that we can contribute is a
geologic map in which we also map the surface, but this time
concentrate on the geologic deposits as they outcrop on the
surface.
Theae maps would also carrj* with them oiross-
sectlons that would show the subsurface geology that Is in
place. But the products that are most useful to the study
of water are the products from our Water Resources Division,
which are the water resources reports of investigation.
These reports unite the topography, the geology and the
hydrology into a coherent whole, so that the physical system
as it alts there in place is fully described.
The first question that would arise from this
type of work is, where is the water, what quantity is
available and what ia its quality? Our Surface Water Branch
measures the stream flow and makes a study of the variabilities
I
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235
H. Wilson
of that flow. The Ground Water Branch actually works out
the dimension* of the ground water container and spells out
the way In which the water occurs within this framework.
The Quality of Water Branch takes care of
getting an assessment of the quality in both the surface and
the ground waters.
Now, this is a relatively simple case, but let's
look at the next slide, where our basin has become of age.
We now have a completely new set of conditions.
We still have the same framework; we still have the same
stream; but what man has done in this basin has posed many
problems for us.
The dam at the headwaters, for instance, provides
power, recreation and flood control, but it also poses a
host of problems downstream from the dam because it has
changed the regimen of the stream. The city uses water
from the stream course, but it also uses the stream course
as a sewer, dumping its sanitary refuse back into the stream.
The industrial plants along the way take water
either from the ground water resource or from the surface
water resource, and then dump their waste into one or the
other, contaminating one or the other, or both.
We now have a complex problem. We no longer have
the simple one that was shown in the first slide. We no
I
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H. Wilaon
longer can be content with the questions of where is it,
how much is there, and what is its quality. We now must
have an understanding of the complete operation of this
system, and what the effect of man's activities is upon that
stream. Everything a user does in this basin probably
affects another user and, therefore, complete understanding
is necessary.
To do this requires a talented team of
specialists. It takes geologists, mathematicians, hydro-
logic engineers, geophysiclsta, and a host of other talents
to come up with a complete answer to have this basin operate.
Only in this way will we be able to come up with a manage-
ment plan that will both develop the waters to their optimum
usefulness and protect them in their quality at the same
time.
The Survey is working in Minnesota and Wisconsin
in a number of studies like this, and all of these are
listed In the prepared statement which I have submitted to
the record.
The maps attached to that record show the places
In which we are stream-gauging, measuring observation wells,
and where our individual basin studies similar to this
hypothetical basin that you are looking at are taking place.
The point that I would like to leave you with,
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237
H. Vll»on
however, Is that the study of a hydrologic system such as
this and its quality is a very complex thing. If the
geologist worked by himself, he is likely to become so
enamored with the geology that he can't see the water
picture.
If the chemist worked collecting samples and
analyzing the samples, without knowing the flow patterns
and the movement, he can do little towards warning people of
what the potentialities for pollution are.
I would like to urge, therefore, that all
agencies, Interested parties, and partlcn larly the people
working in a scientific field that nave this special talent,
cooperate more and closer than we ever have in the past in
order to provide the best possible solutions that we can
to these basins.
I submit herewith my prepared statement.
Activities of the U. S. Geological Survey in the
Upper Mississippi River Basin
Minnesota and Wisconsin
The products of the U. S. Geological Survey
which contribute to the scientific physical background for
pollution control are of three general types. These are:
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238
H. Wileon
(1) topographic aapa, (2) baeie geologic asps and reports,
and (3) hydrologic reports aeaaurlng and describing water
aa it occurs and stoves within its natural enviroment with
continually changing quantity and quality.
Topographic naps are used by water resourcee
specialists as a source of nany physical facts concerning
the size, shape, and slope of river systems. They are used
also to locate and record the points of diversion of stream
waters and return of waste waters to the streaa. Adequate
topographic maps are available for approximately 50 percent
of the area under consideration today.
Geologic maps show the rock types and structure
over and through which water moves. They provide an
explanation of why some channels are water-tight whereas
others allow movement of water between the stream bed and
adjacent permeable water-bearing formations. They are useful
in delineating the shape of ground-water bodies and in
determining the direction of ground-water movement.
Information contained in these maps and
descriptive geologic reports provide valuable background
references for water resources studies but it is the
Survey's hydrologic data and water resource reports that
relate nore directly to the control of water pollution.
The water resources reports of the Geological
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239
H. Wilson
Survey are designed to meet a need in development, uae or
t
management of water, and although not specifically designed
for pollution activities, the information they contain has
direct value in pollution studies. This information includes
both the quantity and the quality of surface and underground
water, the relation of water on the surface to that under-
ground and the Influence of natural and man-made controls
on water You will be interested in specific atudles in
this area that provide this kind of information.
In the Upper Mississippi River Basin, basic \
information on strearaflow has been obtained for a number i
i
i
of years by means of surface water gaging network. There are!
i
at present 5^ stations {see map) in the network that give j
a picture of quantity and variability of streamflow. The
earliest streamflow information in the Upper Mississippi
Basin was collected in 1903 on the Minnesota River at
Mankato. Information on quantities of water available
throughout the year is useful to water managers in deter-
mining the available supply and the appropriate level of
discharge of waste in the stream systems. The information
is essential in determining loads of pollutants transported
over a period of time and is necessary in determining the
amount of water available for dilution of a pollutant that
might be spilled accidentally. The United States Public
-------
240
H. Wilaon
Health Service, the Minnesota water Pollution Control
Commission, the Minnesota Bepartnent of Health, and the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District, among others* have
used streamflon information collected by the Geological
Survey In their reports on pollution.
The first Geological Survey report on water
quality In Minnesota was published in 190T as Water-Supply
Paper 193. This report, prepared In cooperation with the
State Board of Health and the University of Minnesota,
contained information on the mineral quality of the water
and on industrial and municipal pollution, Including
bacterial pollution, at many locations throughout the State.
Chemical quality of the surface waters is
neasured in a program closely tied to the streamflow program
because quality changes with changes in streanflow. At the
present tine, a statewide quality of water network is,
carried on in cooperation with the Minnesota Division of
Waters.
Although the present network is concerned
principally with the chemical quality of water, soae
information on sediment content and temperatures of the
water are obtained also. Information on significant dis-
solved minerals, which may include some dissolved solids
from industrial and domestic wastes, is being obtained at
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241
H. Wilson
16 locations (see map) In the Upper Mleeisoippi Basin,
Information Is available at some locations on radioactivity
of waters, trace elements, detergents, sediment content and
temperature of surface and ground waters.
A series of studies started last July in
Cooperation with the Minnesota Division of Waters will
describe the hydrology of the watershed units of the State
and will provide hydrologic knowledge on which administrative
political and economic decisions can be made. Particular
attention will be given to areas in which water supply
problems can be anticipated and areas where known usable
water supplies can be increased. The studies will include
information on the quantity and quality of low flows of the
streams, the location and extent of aquifers, changes in
water levels (63 measurement points - see map), the pattern
of movement of ground water, quality of ground waters,
areas of exceptionally high pick-up of ground water by
streams, and areas where streamflow is particularly con-
taminated by ground-water inflow of poor quality. These
watershed studies are closely related to the streamflow,
ground-water level, and water quality networks mentioned
previously.
Scheduled for completion prior to January 1965 are
reports on the Big Stone and the Pomme de Terre watersheds
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2*2
H. Wilson
(••• map). Reports on two other watershed* in the Uppsr
Mississippi Basin are scheduled for completion by January
1966.
The information contained in these watershed
reports will be useful to water developers and managers
who are charged with development and conservation of water
\
as a resource and »ho must be concerned with all aspects of
water and its environment, whether it be natural or man-made.
In addition to the basic data and knowledge Just !
described, information has been obtained in specific studies
that are of value in pollution control and abatement. For
example, to protect public water supplies, the Geological j
i
i
Survey was asked to predict the concentration and time of !
arrival of a contaminant in the event of an accidental j
i
reactor "spill" at the Elk River Reactor Site. The Survey j
i
mapped the distribution of permeable surface deposits .throtgh i
which a "spill" might migrate, and estimated the tine of !
travel through these deposits to a surface water source of
the Mississippi. Surface water flow rates were computed and
a graph showing the distribution of concentrations of a
contaminant was related to the tlae of travel studies.
Prom these relations, the anticipated time of arrival of a
contaminant and its concentration at the St. Paul water
intake was estlnated. This is an excellent example of the
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243
H. VlUon
complex knowledge needed in dealing with many water
problems where the relation of surface water to ground water.
the rates of movement of water underground and on the sur-
i
face, as well as the relationship of concentration to stream*
flow must be understood In arriving at information needed
for protection of a source of supply.
The Geological Survey's purpose is to determine
and continuously evaluate, without bias, the quantity,
quality and distribution of the water resources of the
United States. Its trained corps of people in each State,
working on fact-finding programs designed cooperatively with
State and local agencies and other Federal agencies, provide
knowledge of water and its environment that is of primary
importance In consideration of all aspects of water develop-
ment, use and conservation, including pollution abatement.
Because the Survey's programs are planned in conjunction
with State and Federal agencies, the programs provide
timely and appropriate water facts as needed. The results,
of course, are available to all in the form of maps and
reports. The Geological Survey desires to continue this
cooperation with Federal and State agencies in order to
provide the best possible information for the optimum
development of our water resources.
(The maps referred to are as follows:)
-------
J»
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\ 4 '
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~/
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4
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/-^ "
4 A
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A * X^ > ( >
*^ \ ~-f - i s-* I
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\ J y ,'•
Location of gaging stations.--to determine stage and discharge of streams
-------
15»r
245
Location of network stations. —to determine mineral
quality of streams
-------
I6»r
246
Location of observation veil*.—to determine water level changes (number
•how* multiple wells in one area)
-------
247
Currytly m>d»r study;
2! Ittddl* Mv»r BMln
3. BLf Ston* Rlvtr
VJOXR HBOUICaB 8TUDDBB
BcbxhOed for •tudy_jp 1963-66;
t. Ik>M«u Rlv«r BMln
ZZX. Bcw 4» Vtrn Klrvr Buin
If. U« ftd fiurlB U^r lula
T. ChippM* llTtr Bula
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of
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-------
248
H. Wilson
MR. STEIN: Thank you very much.
(Applause. )
MR. STEIN: Are there any questions for any of
the Interior people?
MR. WISNIEWSKI: Mr. Chairman, inasmuch as some
of the people, In presenting their material, are not reading
their papers in full, I would like to ask Mr. Wilson a
question.
Do these two slides actually contain the meat
of j/our statement?
MR, WILSON: No. The prepared statement is
rather dull and it covers what we are do:n,;5 and where we
are working, and things like that;,
MR. WISNIEWSKI: You realize, of course, that
the :;ofiferees are going to have to consider whatever was
presented here in arriving at conclusions, and we are
expected to do that at the close of the conference.
Will you excuse us ir we fall to take into con-
sideration some of the things ,\ou aay -in your paper wh- h
were not read?
MR. WILSON: Would you like me to submit a state-
ment comparable to the one I Just made? If that would help,
I would be glad to do that.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: Because we wouldn't want to be
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2*9
H. Wilson
accused of having left out something.
MR. WILSON: I will do that. Where will I
address that to?
MR. STEIN: We have to have it pretty soon.
MR. WILSON: I can give it to you pretty soon.
MR. STEIN: All right.
OR. HARQRAVES: I don't think that is what he
had in mind.
MR. STEIN: He wants it before we arrive at our
conclusions, presumably tomorrow.
MR. JORDAHL: Well, isn't the question, Mr.
Chairman, the difference between what was presented verbally
and what was presented in the prepared statement? We can
provide copies of the prepared statement to all of you right
now.
MR. STEIN: Right.
MR. WILSON: The prepared statement says about
the same thing and it is In rather dull language. I think
you can read the same message in the prepared statement,
but I didn't choose to read It, because I preferred to do
it with these slides.
MR. STEIN: In other words, aa I understand
you, Mr. Wilson, and I don't want to stretch this out —
the first question that Mr. Wisnlewski asked was If the
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H. Wilson
report presented with these two slides really suwaarixed
your prepared statement. The answer to that is yes* It
does?
MR. WILSON: Yes.
MR. MUSGQEt I would like to ask Mr. Wilson
whether the efforts of the United States Geological Survey
in any way duplicate any of the other Federal activities?
MR. WILSON: We hope not. We work in coopera-
tion with the States, as most of you know, and we work in
very close cooperation with the Corps of Engineers in many
places, and also with the Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare. On the working level there is very little
duplicating.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further questions of
the Interior Department people?
(No response.)
MR. STEIN: If not, Mr. Boston?
MR. POSTON: Colonel L. B. Harding, District
Engineer of the United States Army, Corps of Engineers.
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251
Lt. Col. L. B. Ihrding
STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL L. B.
HARDING, DISTRICT ENGINEER, UNITED STATES
ARMY, CORPS OP ENGINEERS
COLONEL HARDING: Mr. Chairman, conferees,
ladles and gentlemen:
I appreciate the opportunity afforded m* today
to present the role of the Corps of Engineers in pollution
abatement and particularly in that area of the Upper
Mississippi River between its confluence with the Rum River
and the lower end of Lake Pepin, which lies within the St.
Paul Engineer District.
In the brief time allotted me this morning, I
plan to discuss the responsibilities of the Corps in
pollution abatement, or as more generally described, water
quality control, and the actions taken by the St. Paul
District to discharge these functions.
In 1824, the Congress of the United States
assigned to the Corps of Engineers the responsibility for
developing the nation's rivers and harbors. Since that time.
the work of the Corps, in carrying out the policies of the
Congress in developing water resources has greatly increased
and expanded in complexity. Pollution control developed
-------
852
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
as a fringe benefit In carrying out our primary duties In
the area of developing rlvera and harbors for navigation untljl
1961 when the passage of the Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments (P.L. 8?-88) spelled out the Corps1 mission In
this field.
Since the Initial responsibility of the Corps was
In navigation and navigable streams, early Acts concerned
with pollution passed by the Congress were oriented toward
protecting navigation from obstruction and Injury. For
example, Section 13 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899,
"... prohibits the discharge Into navigable waters generally
of refuse matter other than liquid sewage, Including the
discharge of those materials which are obstructive or
injurious to navigation...". Note the Act specifically
excludes "liquid sewage" which, of course, constitutes one
(
of the principal pollutants. Also, no mention is made of
oil. The Oil Pollution Act of 1924 applies to the discharge
of oil into coastal waters and does not apply to inland
waters as found in this District. However, oil discharged
from vessels has been held by the courts to be refuse
matter and therefore its discharge into navigable waters of
the United States is a violation of Section 13 of the 1899
Act. In aooordance with our primary interest in the field
of navigation, enforcement has been directed toward
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253
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
prevention of pollution, including oil, that will impede or
injure navigation.
The overall policy of the Corps has been directed
toward prevention of violations of the law rather than
regaining paaalve until a violation haa occurred and then
seeking prosecution. Experience has demonstrated that public
education through the media of press releases, navigation
bulletins, and television broadcasts is the most effective
Beans of getting the story across. Should these means fall
and pollutions occur, as happens, the Chief of Engineers
considers the seriousness of the pollution, the degree of
culpability, cooperation in clean-up or corrective operations
and the past record of the violator, in determining whether
prosecution is recommended to the Department of Justice.
If the Investigation and study of an occurrence indicates a
basis for prosecution, the facts of the case are referred
to the Department of Justice with the recommendation that
the proper legal action be taken.
Also included in the 1899 Act is the authority
for issuance of permits for construction of wharfs, piers,
dolphins, etc., with principal consideration for Issuance as
to whether such structures present an unreasonable obstruc-
tion to navigation. The Corps does give particular attention
to outfall sewer* from industrial establishments and, as in
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25*
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
the case for all permits, refers the* to Interested State
and local authorities for comment.
As already stated, th« Corps' early contributions
to pollution abatement resulted from Its responsibilities
for navigable waterways. However* with the passage of the
Mater Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961, which la
administered by the Secretary of Health, Education, and
Welfare, the Corps' responsibilities for pollution abatement
are more clearly defined. Thla Act, "... providea that.
In the survey or planning of any reservoir by the Corpa
of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, or other Federal Agency,
consideration shall be given to inclusion of storage for
regulation of stream flow for the purpose of water quality
control...". 'Kiis legislation requires that, "... such
storage and water releases shall not be provided as a
substitute for adequate treatment or other means of
controlling waste at the source...". The need and value of
such storage for regulation of stream flow is determined
with the advice of the Secretary of Health, Education, and
Welfare, and his views are set forth in any report or
presentation to Congress proposing authorization or con-
struction of projects, Including water quality control. This
authority applies to all Corpa reservoir projects being
considered in survey investigations, with a view to
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255
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
recommendation for authorization and those being planned
for construction subsequent to authorization.
These, then, are the principal responsibilities
and authorities of the Corps In pollution abatement. Permit
ae now to consider the activities of the St. Paul District
In implementing these general areas of responsibility.
First, in administering the 1899 Act, the District
issues public notices to the press, commercial navigation
Interests, recreational boaters, marinas, Federal and State
agencies, and industrial plants along the Mississippi River,
at two-year intervals. These notices recite Federal
statutes prohibiting pollution and the penalty for violation.
Recipients of these notices are asked to assist in preventing
pollution and to report inmedlately any violations which come
!
I
to their attention. Further, at the start of each new navigaf-
tlon season, the District Engineer or his representative may
appear on local television programs and explain the anti-
pollution program.
Second, the District investigates Instances of
reports of pollution or potential sources of pollution which
may be reported by Its own personnel on plant or at locks
or dams, or by other interested parties.
Since 1957, 31 instances of oil and refuse pollu-
tion have been investigated by the District Eighteen of
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256
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
those involved minor, unwillful spillages in which the
violator* were warned against further •pillage. In eleven
other casts, th« offender removed the source of pollution
upon request. The two remaining oaaea which occurred laat
spring and, in effect, resulted In this conference, have
been referred to the United States Attorney.
This is the participation by the District in
implementing the provisions of the Water Pollution Control
Act Amendments of 1961 through reservoir storage. The
District, in cooperation with other Districts of the North
Central Division, Corps of Engineers, is engaged in a
comprehensive water resource study covering the Upper
Mississippi Basin above the Ohio River. This study will
give particular attention to the projected economic growth
of the region and the related future water needs, including
reservoir requirements for water quality improvement.
In addition, we have under way a review of current
operating procedures for the Mississippi River headwaters
reservoirs to determine the advisability of any changes to
meet the foreseeable water supply and water quality needs
in the vicinity of and below the Twin Cities, as well aa
other water uses. Also, we have pending a detailed review
of the water resource improvements, including additional
storage reservoirs, which may be practical and economically
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257
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
feasible In the Minnesota River Basin.
Finally, I should Ilk* to mention briefly our
participation In a research program which nay be overlooked
In our quest for better water. I an referring to the Inter-
agenoy Sedimentation project located at the St. Anthony Falls
Laboratory of the university of Minnesota and Includes
participants of interested Government agencies. This program
designed to develop improved sediment sampling devices and
simplified methods of sediment sampling is under the general
supervision of the Chief of Engineering Division, St. Paul
District. The improvement of physical characteristics is
important in water quality control and it is anticipated
that this research program will eventually contribute to a
better understanding of these characteristics.
In conclusion, the Corps will Continue to
vigorously discharge its responsibilities in administering
the Federal statutes which have been enacted by the Congress
for protection and preservation of the navigable waters of
the United States. The St. Paul District will continue to
coordinate its planning for water resource projects with
other Federal, State and local agencies which have responsi-
bilities to deal with water resources, pollution control
and water quality problems, in order that the greatest
benefits possible can be obtained from these developments.
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Lt. Col. L, B. Harding
Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Colonel Harding.
Are there any comments or questions?
MR. MC DERMOTT: Mr. Chairman?
MR. STEIN: Mr. McDermott.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I have several questions I
would like to ask the Colonel.
Colonel, I believe you referred in your little
discussion here to an 1899 Federal Act that covers certain
kinds of pollution, the dumping, for instance, of refuse
into a navigable stream.
COLONEL HARDING: That Is correct.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Isn't It true that If the Corps
of Engineers, Colonel, requests the Department of Justice
to prosecute a violation or an alleged violation of that
particular Federal statute, that it is absolutely necessary
for the Department of Justice then to prosecute that alleged
violation, whether or not It deems it advisable? Is that
correct?
COLONEL HARDING: Well, I am not sure of what
the responsibilities of the Department of Justice entail.
I know that the Act is one in which -~ I have forgotten
the legal term which pertains to it -- but there is no
legitimate excuse accepted for causing of pollution, and,
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259
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
well, I think th« Department of Justice probably makes the-
determination baaed on the evidence which we produce aa to
whether they have a case. I think that la how the thing
works out.
MR. NC DERMOTT: I would like to read into the
record now — and I am simply asking the Colonel these
questions for purposes of clarification, and I think this is
a question that should be of interest to all the members
of this audience and to all the persons in the two Statea
of Wisconsin and Minnesota concerned with pollution of the
Mississippi River, or alleged pollution of it — I want
to read into the record a portion of Section ^13 of Title
33 of the U.S. Code Annotated.
Before I do so, I want to say that Section 407
is referred to in this portion that I am going to read, and
I believe, if I an not mistaken, Colonel, that 33 U.S.C.A.
40? is the statute that you have been talking about aa the
1899 Act relating to pollution of navigable watera?
COLONEL HARDINO: That is correct.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I am reading from *13, and it
reads in part as follows:
"The Department of Justice shall conduct
the legal proceedings necessary to enforce the
provisions of Sections" —
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260
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
and then it goes on to •numerate a number of them. I will
Just read this one, *,07 of thia Title i
"... and it shall be the duty of the United Statea
Attorneys to vigoroualy proaecute all offenders
againat the same whenever requested to do so by
the Secretary of the Array, or by any of the
officials hereinafter designated, and it shall
furthermore be the duty of said United States
Attorney to report to the Attorney General of the
United States the action taken by him against
offenders so reported."
That concludes it. There is omitted language
after that in the statute.
Bearing in mind the language that I have just
read aloud, Colonel, wouldn't you say that this language
makes it pretty clear that if the Corps of Engineers requests
a prosecution of an alleged violation of Section 1»07, there
isn't any discretion vested in the United States Attorney
to decline to prosecute or to prosecute, but he simply must
prosecute. Isn't that correct?
COLONEL HARDINO: I believe it is correct
according to the law as read, but it would appear to me
that the United Statea Attorney still has to make the
determination whether he haa what he considers sufficient
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261
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
evidence to prosecute.
I an a little bit out of ay responsibility,
speaking for the United States Attorneys.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Well, for the record then, and
I don't want to be in a position of arguing with the
Colonel, but I would like to get this into the record too,
Mr. Chairman — I would like to cite the fact that there is
a decision of a Federal court. It is the State of South
Carolina ex rel Meybank vs. South Carolina Electric and
Qas Company. This is the District Court of South Carolina,
kl Federal Supplement ill, and this case clearly holds that
where a M07 violation or alleged violation is referred to a
United States Attorney with a request for prosecution thereof
he has no discretion and oust prosecute.
Now, just one BOre question here, Colonel:
Bearing in mind this statute or these statutes that I have
been talking about, and your own statement about 31 investlga
tions having been made since 1957 of alleged pollutions of
the Mississippi, and your further statement that there were
two cases last spring that I think you said were referred to
the Department of Justice, what two cases were these,
Colonel?
COLONEL HARDING: Well, to be specific, the two
cases which in effect resulted in this meeting were the two
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262
Lt. Col. L. B. Hhrdlng
oil pollutions, the soybean oil and the petroleum oil case.
MR. NC DERMOTT: Can you tell me, sir, approxi-
mately when thoae investigations Here referred to the
Department of Juatice?
COLONEL HARDINGt I believe that they were
referred by our office back in June. I think it waa June
of laat year.
MR. MC DERMOTT: June of 1963?
COLONEL HARDING: That's right.
MR. MC DERMOTT: And were they referred with a
mere recommendation, or a mere statement of the facta
involved, as you saw them, or were they referred to the
Department of Justice with a request to prosecute?
COLONEL HARDING: They were referred by the St.
Paul District through our channels to the Chief of Engineers'
office in Washington, and we gave them all the facts that
we had available on the case. As I remember, we recommended
that they be prosecuted. That is correct.
MR. MC DERMOTT: You recommended that they be
prosecuted?
COLONEL HARDING: That is correct.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see. Did you — and I don't
want to seem to be splitting hairs, but the language used
by the statute here is "request" -- did you actually request
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263
[
Lt. Col. L. B. Htrdlng j
i
that they b« prosecuted? i
i
COLONEL HARDING: I don't remember the exact |
i
terminology. Perhapft Mr. Haueer can answer that. He is
Chief of the Operations Division at the St. Paul Engineers
District, and he was intimately concerned with these pollu-
tion cases last spring, as many of you are well aware.
Oo ahead.
MR. L. A. HAUSER: In our particular case, what
we can do is recommend to our higher authority the action
that should be taken. The final action directing prosecution
must be taken by the Office of the Chief of Engineers or
the Secretary of the Army.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see. Do you know in this
instance, with reference to these matters, did your higher
office request the Department of Justice to prosecute?
MR. HAUSER: It is my recollection that they
requested that prosecution be started.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see. Do you have any fixed
policy on this matter, or does your higher office have any
fixed policy on this matter? In other words, if you submit
to them a statement of facts regarding an alleged or
reputed violation of Section 407 here, an alleged pollution
of the Mississippi — let's take that one — do you know if
they have a fixed policy?
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26*
Lt. Col. L. B. Hirding
Would they limply take the fact* as you give
them, look them over and. If you recommend prosecution,
your higher office turn around and say to the Department of
Justice, "We request prosecution"?
MR. HAUSER: I am sure they Mill.
MR. MC DERMOTT: They will?
MR. HAUSER: I am sure they will, but the commis-
sion of the act IB the determination, not the alleged
commission of It.
MR. MC DERMOTT: All right. Yes.
MR. HAUSER: The commission of the act.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Then in this particular --
MR. HAUSER: You nay or nay not intend this to
happen, but the fact that you did, the fact that this
pollution did enter the stream, the actual commission is
the violation of the Act.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Yes, whether It was intentional
or not.
MR. HA0SER: Correct.
MR. MC DERMOTTj That's right. All right. Now,
Just one further question here: With reference to these
two instances of oil spillage that perhaps brought about
this meeting, do you know what the reaction of the Department
of Justice was to the request to prosecute those? They were
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265
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
submitted.
COLONEL HARDING: They referred the cases to the
local United States Attorney.
MR. MC DERMOTT: This takes us to the local
United States Attorney. I believe it is Mr. Miles Lord,
is it not?
COLONEL HARDING: That Is correct.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Has Mr. Lord indicated his
intention with reference to these oil spillages? Is he
going to prosecute, or isn't he?
COLONEL HORDING: He hasn't indicated what he
is going to do to me.
MR. MC DERMOTT: All right. No further questions.
MR. STEIN: I think it should be pointed out,
in all fairness, that, as I understood the statute as read
by Mr. McDermott, it says the Secretary of the Aroy has to
request it. There has been no indication before this group
that the Secretary of the Array has requested it.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Well, I took the statement aade
by the gentleman out here in the audience as to the general
policy, and I think he said it was true as to these specific
instances that we are talking about, that there was a
request actually made.
MR. STEIN: No. If I recall, he said he believed
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266
Lt, Col. L. B. Harding
it.
If w« are going to dial with a request, I think
this is a aimple letter written, and we should have the
letter. If we don't have the letter, I don't know that
anyone here says that the Secretary of the Army made that
request.
MR. HAUSER: I believe the question was whether
it was a request or whether the Secretary of the Army or
Chief of Engineers requested or directed. I think that
was the way you phrased the question.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Yes.
MR. HAUSER: And it was my recollection, and I
don't have the letter here to verify that, that he requested
it.
MR. MC DERMOTT: That's what I wanted.
MR. HAUSER: Requested action.
COLONEL HARDING: I am not sure whether he
requested or recommended.
MR. STEIN: That may be a recollection. I think,
in a matter like this, we have to see the words of the
letter.
MR. HAUSER: This we would have to check, of
course.
MR. STEIN: Of course.
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267
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
MR. HAUSER: But I do know that the Batter haa
been referred to the United Statee Attorney, and I know
that the United States Attorney has been in contact with
the violator.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Muegge?
MR. MUEGGE: Mr. Chairman, could we not have
the letter that waa transmitted to the local United States
Attorney entered as part of the record?
COLONEL HARDING: We wouldn't have that letter.
MR. STEIN: I don't know where to get the letter.
Now, if the Army Engineers would make the letter available —
COLONEL HARDING: We wouldn't have that letter.
The only letter we would have would be our recommendation
back to the Office of the Chief of Engineers in Washington,
and the Office of the Chief of Engineers then would write
his own letter over to the Department of Justice.
MR. STEIN: Then it seems to me that it is
abundantly clear that this recollection of a letter that
they couldn't possibly have seen is just a recollection.
We would be glad to consider that if we had the letter.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Certainly you are not implying,
Mr. Chairman, are you, that the Secretary of the Army would
have any desire to conceal the contents of that letter, or
to keep it from the public? Are you?
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268
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
MR. STEIN: Etealre? He certainly would be
delighted to have It aeen. A« a matter of fact, you seem
to have a remarkable familiarity with it, which belles hia
reluctance to make It public.
(Laughter.)
MR. MC DERMOTT: I am eorry. I night guess at
ita contents, but I have never seen the letter, and I have
never seen a copy of it.
MR. STEIN: Neither have I, but I am Just saying,
for ua to consider it—I know how these letters often go
from the head of a Department, or the Secretary of the
Army, and I think before we make conclusions, or at least
speaking for myself, before I would like to make a con-
clusion of what the Attorney General or the Justice Depart-
ment had to do on the basis of a letter from the Secretary
of the Army, I think we should see the exact wording of the
letter so we can make that determination.
I don't see any problem in getting this letter.
If the Amy Engineers can't get it, we will be delighted to
get that In Washington and make It part of the record.
How would you like that, Colonel? Would you
want us to get it, or you?
COLONEL HARDINO: It Is Immaterial, depending
upon which you prefer to do, Mr. Chairman. We could probablj
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269
Lt. Col. L. B. Ffcrding
call Washington and get It in a few days, or you could pick
it up in Washington from the Chief's office.
MR. STEIN: Surely. There la no problem.
MR. HAUSERj I could, in the meantime, attempt
to verify whether or not we have the exact wording of it.
Whether we have or not, I will try to get that in a very
short period.
MR. MUEGQE: Mr. Chairman, could you ask him to
make a report tomorrow morning on that?
MR. HAUSER: I will probably be able to give that
to you this afternoon. We either have or we haven't. That
is the point.
MR. MUEOGE: Mr. Chairman, I have a question.
Colonel Harding, do you know whether there are
any memorandums of agreement between the Corps of Engineers
or the Secretary t>f the Army with the Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare, relating to pollution control?
COLONEL HORDING: Well, there is, of course, the
Water Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1961, which
requires that when we make a determination as to our storage
requirements in our reservoirs for water quality control,
that this has to be reviewed by the Secretary of Health,
Education, and Welfare, and, quite frequently, during our
studies, particularly when we are on a basin-wide basis,
-------
270
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
we have the Public Health Service of the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare, make the study for us, and
we include that as part of our record.
As to your question as to specific agreements,
I don't know of any, but I am sure there are, and I know that
we work closely with the Department in all of our projects
where water quality control is an element.
MR. MUEGGE: Do you in any way think that the
Corps is duplicating efforts of the Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare?
COLONEL HARDING: No. I think it is safe to say
that we are not.
In fact, as I have already mentioned, normally
j
we ask them to make the study for us in the area in which
thev are the experts. j
MR. MUEGGE: Do you have any — |
t
COLONEL HARDING: For example, we have been doing I
a lot of work, study work, survey work, in the river basin
north, and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
is providing us with the water quality control studies up
there. Similarly, they are doing the same thing for our
study on the operation of the headwaters reservoirs which
I have already mentioned.
Whenever we have a water quality, or any water
-------
271
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
problem, we normally ask the DepartBent of Health, Educa-
tion, and Welfare to make a study for us, and frequently
provide them the funds for It.
MR. MUEOOE: Are there any Corps installations
within the region that we are considering here?
COLONEL HARDING: Well, the lo-ks and dams up and
down.
MR. MUEOOE: How about harbors for part of your
construction fleet? Are any of those in the area?
COLONEL HARDING: in Fountain City. Is that belowi
the area?
MR. MUEGQE: That is below the area. :
i
MR. HAUSER: That ia below. !
!
MR. MUEGGE: How about your boats? What do you
do for sewage disposal at those locations?
COLONEL HARDING: I will turn this over to,Mr. j
I
Hauser. !
MR. HAUSER: All the land installations have |
their own sewage disposal systems, and, insofar as the
i
vessels that we operate are concerned -- dredges, and so
forth — presently we are in the process of developing
systems on these plants; but up to this time there has not
been any type of equipment that has been approved by the
United States Coaat Guard for such, and it is in the process
-------
272
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
of being developed.
Again, we are handicapped to some extent by the
availability of funds to do this.
MR. MUEOQE: At the moment then, I assume that
sewage from the boats is being discharged, and waste from
the boats is being discharged Into the watercourses?
MR. HAUSER: This is correct. However, when you
say "wastes from the boats," I presume that you are speaking
now of other than bilge pumping and that type of thing. Yoa
are speaking of human waste?
MR. MUEGGE: Garbage and bilge pumping, and
anything of that nature.
MR. HAUSER: No, no. Bilge pumping, garbage, and
that type of thing, is not beirg discharged into the river.
That is taken nare of by land pumping in all cases, and all
garbage disposal is made on that same basis.
I am speaking now of Federally owned and
operated equipment.
MR. MUEQQE: Now 1 would like to ask Colonel
Harding or Mr. Hauser, whichever one can answer it, what is
Considered, aside from oil pollution, interference with
navigation?
COLONEL HARDING: Well, I will start out, and
then let Mr. Hauser supplement It.
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273
Lt. Col. L. 8. Harding
I think, generally speaking, we have made a
rather broad Interpretation of what la injurioue to naviga-
tion. Obviously, petroleum or soybean oil, If people report
to us that there are dumps along the edges of the Mississippi
-- for example, we received a report a couple of months
ago that one of the packing plants had a dump l.r which it
was possible that some of the material was washed down in
the event of high water. We investigated that and asked
them to clean up.
In response to your question, I think our
interpretation has generally been rather broad. If anyone
reports to us an incident whi^h they feel warrants reporting,
we make an effort to investigate it and warn the concern
Involved.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: Colonel Harding, you said you j
asked them to clean it up. Why don't you tell them to clean
it up? We have to do that under our laws.
COLONEL HARDING: I think we do the same thing.
MR. HAUSER: Colonel Harding does tell them to
clean it up. He asks them to clean it up, and follows up
to see that they do. That has been the caae in all
instances.
MR. MUEQOE: Thank you, Colonel and Mr. Hauser.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: I have one question.
-------
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
MR. STEIN: Mr. Wianiewski.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: Colonel Harding, In the sedimenta
tlon studies you mentioned, does the United States Geological
Survey participate in those?
COLONEL HARDING: I an sure they are participating
with us. In fact/ I know they are.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: They have the agency.
COLONEL HARDING: Yes.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further questions?
MR. SMITH: Yes.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Smith.
MR. SMITH: The United States Public Health
Service reports indicate that 5 percent possibly of the
uarges carrying gasoline and other petroleum products may
oe so-called leakers. What authority or control do you
exercise over these barges?
COLONEL HARDING: Well, as soon as the deter-
mination has been made that they are leaking, obviously we
direct them to correct the situation.
MR. HAUSER: Flay I supplement that?
COLONEL HARDING: Oo ahead.
MR. HAUSER: When we run across or have an
awareness, first of all, of a leaky barge or something that
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275
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
is leaking gasoline, petroleum, or something of that nature
that Is dumping into the river, they are immediately advised
to take this out of service, and the Coast Guard is notified '
I
immediately, because these are Inspected barges, and they i
i
i
are taken out of service until the situation la corrected. ;
In most cases, I mean, these are not severe unless
they get Into an accident. It may be a leaky seam or some-
thing of that sort. If what you are talking about is that
in 200 miles you are losing 350 gallons, or something like
that, we have had cases, of course, where a gasoline barge
has been split up and something J.n the nature of a million
gallons will run down. I mean, this, of course, is an
accident, and that barge, of course, is taken out of service
immediately. It would almost have to be, in any event, and
local action is taken to insure protection.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I have two more questions.
MR. STEIN: Yes. Go ahead, Mr. McDermott.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Just two short ones.
Colonel, does the Corps have a right to inspect,
a visitorial right on these boats, barges, vessels, anything
that Is navigating the Mississippi? For example, can you
board them? Do you have access to those vessels for
inspection purposes to see what is going on in them?
MR. HAUSER: To determine if they are --
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276
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
MR. NC DERMOTT: If they are a possible source
of pollution.
MR. HAUSER: No, we don't. That is a function of
the Coaat Guard.
MR. MC DERMOTT: That la a function of the Coaat
Guard?
MR. HAUSER: That is correct.
We observe these, because they go through 13
locks and dams in this District, so we have access to them.
If a vessel is a leaky vessel, we may, and have on occasion,
refused lockage until the condition is corrected.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see.
COLONEL HARDING: The Commander ia going to
speak later.
MR. MC DERMOTT: The Commander of the Coast
Guard is going to talk later?
One further question: The penalty provisions
that have to do with that Section 407 — i have them here
someplace in this memorandum — provide for a fine not
exceeding $2,500 nor less than $500, and for Imprisonment
not less than 30 days nor more than one year, both the f.ne
and the imprisonment. Then they say, "in the discretion
of the Court, one-half of said fine to be paid to the
person or persona giving information leading to the
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277
Lt. Col. L. B. Harding
conviction."
To your knowledge, do you know of any people who
have ever collected under this statute on a penalty?
\
MR. HAUSER: Not to my knowledge.
COLONEL HARDING: Not to my knowledge within the
District here. Possibly nationwide, but I know of no
instances where any was collected .
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see. Thank you. That is all
I have.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further questions from
Minnesota?
(No response.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
By the way, I think we can put this into the
record. As you probably know, Section 13 of the Rivers and
Harbors Act of 1899 sets the old type of statute of giving
rewards for information. I think that practice generally
has fallen into disuse.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Not with Internal Revenue it
hasn't.
(Laughter. )
MR. STEIN: I understand the public relations
staff of Internal Revenue has the beat public relations of
anyone.
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278
I doubt that muoh money la paid for Information,
certainly not In this field. To ay knowledge, In the United
States, no rewards have been paid to private Individuals for
!
information. '
j
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see. j
MR. POSTON: We next have the Bureau of Public !
i
I
Roads, represented by Mr. R. H. Paddock. Is Mr. Paddock |
here?
MR. RADEMACHER: No. He had to leave. :
MR. POSTON: We have here a statement by Mr.
Paddock, who IB Division Engineer for Wisconsin of the
United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Public
Roads. He asked that this be Included in the record.
MR. STEIN: Without objection, this will be
included In the record as If read.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: How will we know what is in it?
MR. MC DERMOTT: Will we get copies?
MR. STEIN: Do we have facilities for duplicating,
or, if you wish, we can have this read now.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: I think It should be read.
MR. STEIN: All right. Would you read this?
MR. POSTON: Do you want to read it, Mr.
Rademacher?
MR. RADEMACHER: This Is a statement from the
United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Public Roads,
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279
R. H. Paddock
as submitted by Mr. Robert H. Paddock, DlviaIon Engineer for
Wlaconain, February 7, 1964. The statement reada aa follows;
STATEMENT OP ROBERT H. PADDOCK, DIVISION
ENGINEER FOR WISCONSIN, BUREAU OP PUBLIC
ROADS, DEPARTMENT OP COMMERCE, PRESENTED
BY J. M. RADEMACHER
The Bureau of Public Road a of the U. S. Department^
of Commerce appreciatea the opportunity of preaentlng to thiai
conference ita intereat in the control and prevention of i
pollution of the Upper Miaslsaippi River. Our Intereat :
relatea apeciflcally to the Great River Road which has been
mentioned earlier In thia conference.
The Great River Road was conceived originally by
the Misalaaippi River Parkway Planning Commission (nov? the
Mississippi River Parkway Commission) as a national parkway
to be developed in the pattern of the Blue Ridge Parkway
(North Carolina and Virginia) and the Natchez Trace Parkway
(Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee).
The Congress of the United States In the Act of
August 2*, 19*9 (Public Law 262, Slat Congress) instructed
the Bureau of Public Roads, Department of Commerce, and the
National Park Service, Department of the Interior, to survey
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R. H. Paddock
and study the possibility of developing a national parkway
generally following the course of the Mississippi River.
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The study was made and its findings were presented to the j
Congress In a joint report by the Secretary of Commerce and '
i
the Secretary of the Interior, entitled P^rkwa^JTor the i
Mississippi, dated November 26, 1951. !
The Joint report disclosed the inadvisability of i
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developing a national parkway on an entirely new location
along the Mississippi River for a number of reasons: coats i
of required parkway lands and constructJon would be pro- ;
hibitive; there would be a dupli .-ation of existing highways
presently or potentially adequate for traffic purposes;
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preferred scenic locations already had been preempted by j
railroads, existing highways, commercial and Industrial
development, and cities; and Federal maintenance, administra-^
tion and operation across the ten States would be difficult.
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The joint report recommended, instead, that a plari
for a scenic route should be developed by the States and
adttiniatered by the various State highway departments.
This could be accomplished by Improving suitable existing
highways to parkway-like standards and incorporating them
into a continuous route by interconnecting them wh*re
necessary with sections of new construction. Because many
of the existing highways already are Included in the several
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R* H. Paddook
Federal-aid highway aystews, inprovewents to than oould be
wade through usual Federal assistance procedurea.
Among the recommended characteristics of such a
highway were the following;
1. Ownership and control by the Individual States.
2. Design and construction by the States with Federal
advisory service furnished when requested.
3. Federal assistance In financing through the usual
Federal-aid channels plus additional Federal-aid
to provide parkway-like features.
M. Partial or complete control of access.
5. An adequate scenic corridor protected by land
control of the adjacent roadside through the
acquisition of wider rights-of-way and the use
of scenic easements.
6. Adequate interpretive and public-use facilities
to portray the scenic, recreational, historical,
cultural, geographic, and other resources along
the route.
The Federal-Aid Highway Act of May 6, 195**
authorized the Bureau of Public Roads to expend $250,000
froa its administrative funds "... for the purpose of
expediting the Interstate planning and coordination of a
continuous Great River Road and appurtenances thereto
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R H. Paddock
traversing the Mississippi Valley from Canada to the Oulf
of Mexico ...". Under this Act, the Commissioner of Public
Road* nade available to the ten Miaaiaaippi River Statea
the aervioea of a highway engineer with extensive partway
and general highway experience, and, through cooperation
with the National Park Service, the aervicea of a landscape
architect experienced in the problena of land planning and
development for scenic, recreational and other parkway uses.
Under these provisions a preliminary report
was made for each of the ten Statea — for Minnesota in
1956 and for Wisconsin shortly afterwards.
About a year ago a detailed report waa prepared
for two lega of that route in Minnesota — extending from
St. Cloud northerly to the Canadian boundary.
A detailed report for the Wisconsin route has
juat been completed within the past month. It is expected
that a sisiilar detailed report for the Minnesota section
from St. Cloud to the Iowa State line will be accomplished
this year. Both Statea have already accomplished the
special marking and signing of their respective portions of
this Oreat River Road — both along the routes and on their
State highway maps.
We are fortunate in theae North Central Statea in
having before us plans for the development of the Oreat
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R. H. Paddock
Riv*r Road of a roadway on both aidea of the Oreat River
in Minnesota, Iowa and Wiaoonaln. Thua we would eventually
have, aa somebody ha* aaid, a high type highway with the
wldeet median In the world — the Nlaalaalppl River.
Today we are particularly concerned with the
Nlaalaalppl River between the Run River and the aouth
end of Lake Pepin, and with the Great River Road in Via com In
for approximately sixty-five milea, from Preacott where the
St. Croix River joins the Mississippi, to Nelson where the
Chlppewa River Joins the Miasiaaippi, and in Minnesota from
south of Anoka, around Minneapolis to the weat and aouth and
thence aouthweaterly around Hastings, Red Wing and Lake City
to Wabasha for a distance of almost one hundred miles.
Because of the development of the Twin Citiea and
the citiea to the aouth, the proposed location In Minnesota
divergea from the Mississippi over much of this distance
except for the last fifteen milea or ao from Frontenac to
Wabaaha.
There is already significant riverside develop-
ment In this latter section and It can be expected that
the detailed report will provide recommendations for further
development of thia aection aa well aa of that north to
Anoka, compatible with the overall plana for the Oreat River
Road project objectivea.
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R. R. Paddock
The Motion in tfiaoonsln has already been accorded
considerable private aa wall aa government development and
further improvement is planned from Bay City at the Junction
of U. S. 63 southerly to Nelson.
The moat recently approved plan providea for the
Improvement, on new location, along the north bank of the
river, of the Great River Road from Bay City northerly to
Preacott.
In the existing section we already have some
developed wayaidea or overlooks, and it can be expected that
in the new aection from Bay City to Preacott additional
facilities of this or a higher type will be provided.
The recent report on this portion of the Wisconsin
aection of the Oreat River Road takes into account a proposed
Morgan Coulee State Park about nine miles south of Preacott.
Between Bay City and Pepin there now exist.well-
developed wayside areas with water facilities — on the
river aide of the highway together with other parking and/or
picnicking areas. Additional facilities of this type have
been recommended in this aection and the acquisition of
land for a Maiden Rock State Park with complete picnicking
facilities la proposed. In addition it has been recommended
that the present public uae area at Fort St. Antoine be
enlarged. Theae are some of the developments that can be
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R. H. Paditook
anticipated on only this short section of the road.
Traffic on the emotion of this road from Nelson
to My City is now in the neighborhood of 1,000 vehicle*
per day on an annual basis, with much greater volumes
during seasonal peaks. Normal increases would indicate a
doubling of this average as well as seasonal peak traffic
well before the year 2000.
The development of additional sections of the
Qreat River Road, the public promotion of the availability
of such facilities and the continuing increase of tourism
which is so vital to this part of the Middle West, cannot
help but result in a very much greater rate of Increase in
this traffic than has been suggested above.
Many of the features of this development will be
accomplished through the sole or Joint efforts of State,
local and Federal agencies. These include such items as
scenic easements, control of access, relocation of utilities,
recreational facilities for camping, boating and picnicking
and some measure of tourist accommodations. We must also
look to private enterprise for further development of some
of these items, particularly in the field of tourist
accommodations.
The States of Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as
the Federal Government have sizable financial investment in
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R. H. Paddook
highway facilities In this area and additional investments
are anticipated in the future. It would appear essential
that these investments, present and future, be protected
with regard to one of the objectives for which they are
made -- a recognition of the scenic, recreational and
economic values of the Mississippi River Itself,
To provide satisfactory services for the type
and volume of traffic Indicated previously, it can be
expected that additional facilities will be required.
Furthermore, to assure the highest and best use of the
existing facilities, as well as those additional ones which
will be required, the absolutely vital water supply which
is essential to those facilities, as well as the relative \
cleanliness of the Mississippi River Itself, must be main- j
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talned at the highest possible quality. j
It is for these reasons that the Bureau of Public
Roads, working cooperatively with the respective State
highway departments, believes that the aims and objectives
of this conference are Inexorably linked with the optimum
use of the highway facilities which we are charged with
providing. we appreciate the opportunity to present our
views on the subject to this conference and will do whatever
we can to assist in the accomplishment of the objectives of
the conference.
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MR. STEINt Thank you, Mr. Rade«aoher.
Are there any comment* or questions?
(No response.)
MR. STEIN; Aa I understand it, you are going
to have a one-way highway on each side of the river?
MR. RADEMACHER: Two-way highway.
MR. STEIN: On each side?
MR. RADEMACHER: A two-way highway on each aide
of the river.
MB. MUEQGE: It switches back and forth, doesn't
it, from Minnesota to Wisconsin, from Iowa to Wisconsin?
MR. RADEMACHER: This road was built on both
sides of the river.
MR. STEIN: 1 don't know that this has much
relation to the conference, but what does that remark mean
in there when it says you will have the widest median?
Does that mean it will be one way on one side and one way
on the other?
MR. RADEMACHER: This may be true. I don't know.
I can't answer that.
MR. MUEGQE: Mr. Stein, maybe Mr. Jordahl can
give us the information on that.
MR. JORDAHL: I nave a certain expertise on that.
The Great River Road has been designated as existing on
both sides of the river in Wisconsin and In Minnesota, and
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It will consist of two-way traffic on both sides.
MR. STEIN: On both sides?
MR. JORDAHL: On both sides.
MR. STEIN: Thank you. I wondered about that.
Mr. Poston?
MR. POSTON: The Federal Power Commission is
represented by Mr. J. J. Abramson.
Mr. Abramson.
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J. J. Abranton
STATEMENT OF JOHN J. ABRAMSON, CIVIL
ENGINEER, CHICAGO REGIONAL OFFICE OF
THE FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION
MR. ABRAMSON: I am John J. Abramson. I an a
civil engineer for the Chicago Regional Office of the
Federal Power Commission.
Mr, Chairman, gentlemen: I am pleased to be here
in St. Paul on behalf of the Chicago Regional Office of the !
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Federal Power Commission to participate in this conference !
on water quality problems in the Upper Mississippi River i
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Basin. I say on behalf of the Chicago Regional Office of j
the Federal Power Commission because the comments I am about
to make represent the views of that office, and are not
necessarily those of our five-man Commission.
This reach of the Mississippi River and its major
tributaries is of interest to us because of some 30 hydro-
electric projects representing almost 83,000 kilowatts of
installed capacity. Of these projects, only those main
stream projects here in St. Paul are under license to the
Federal Power Commission. Application for license has been
filed for other projects and it is expected that application!
for the remaining projects will come in gradually within the
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J. J. Abrasaion
next one and a half to two years.
We have received reports of potential water
pollution In aoae of the tributaries in this basin. On
other rivers where there are paper mills upstream from our
hydroelectric projects we are often made aware of their
presence in the powerhouse forebays. Although unsightly,
this material does no particular harm insofar as power
operations are concerned. However, it has been alleged,
in some instances, that certain paper mill effluents do
attack turbine runners causing a rapid deterioration of the
ulades. This partially explains our interest in pollution
control.
As many of you know, the Commission has long made
its practice to notify Governor* and State and local
agencies of applications for preliminary permits and
licenses for hydroelectric projects, and has given them an
opportunity to submit comments. Furthermore, before acting
on an application, the Commission requests the Secretaries
of the Army, Agriculture, and the Interior to comment on the
project as It affects their interests, and, if other Federal
Departments or agencies are Involved, they likewise are
requested to submit their views.
These actions are taken because the Federal
Power Act requires the Commission to consult with others, and
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J. J. Albs-mason
to investigate upon its oww initiative as necessary., in
order to assure that licensed prejteti will b@ built and
operated In a manner which ••••- in the word* of the Act -- !
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"... will be bent adapted to a e©®pr*h«»ai¥€ plain for j
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improving or developing a waterway or waterways for the use '.
or benefit of Interstate or foreign ooau«re«, i*©*4 the j
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improvetacnt and utilization of water-power development, |
and for o^hej^benefi^ia^l publicuses, including recreational
purposes ..." (Emphasis supplied).
The Commission has taken the view that these
"other beneficial public uses" include the alleviation of
stream pollution and the improvement of water quality.
Arrangements have recently been made to obtain the comments
of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare on
the water quality and publi--1 health aspects of orooosed
projects. The comments of this agency, as of thos« previousl
mentioned, are helpful to the Commission in determining
whether to issue a license and in establishing appropriate
conditions to licenses issued for both new and constructed
project*. If the present operation of an unlicensed project
— that is, a project which requires a license, but for
which the owner has not yet applied and received one — is
not Baking a maximum contribution to alleviating the pollutio(i
problem. In some cases the Commission may be able to assist
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J. J. Abramson
in readying the situation if the project is finally licensed
by imposing license conditions which will require operations
to be consistent with a pollution control program.
Please be assured that we have a specific and
continuing Interest in the possibilities for improving water
quality by operational means at projects both licensed and
in the process of licensing. Our door will always be open
for your suggestions.
Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Abramson.
Are there any comments or questions?
MR. MUEOOEi Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask
a question.
You referred to paper mills. Are there any
paper mills or pulp mills on the St. Crolx, Mississippi, or
Minnesota Rivers above Lake Pepin?
MR. ABRAMSON: There are some on the Mississippi,
but they would be maybe a hundred miles upstream froa St.
Paul, which would not have a great deal of effect on the
project in St. Paul.
MR. MUEOOE: Do all your power dams have fish-
ways?
MR. ABRAMSON: No, they don't. We are only
really familiar with those that are under license. We only
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J. J. Abramson
have authority over those, and if the Conservation Depart-
ment were to present us with their opinions that this would
be an integral part of the project, we would consider their
recommendations for fishways.
MR. MUEGGEs All right.
MR. STEIN: Are there any other comsients or !
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questions?
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MR. SMITH: I have one. i
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MR. STEIN: Yes, Mr, Smith. |
MR. SMITH: You stated that you would require, in '•
all cases, that maximum effort be made to alleviate pollution!
conditions.
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Now, what direction would these efforts take? i
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MR. ABRAMSON: We meant by that maximum effort i
where It would be consistent with the economical operation i
of the plant, and consistent with perhaps the power faclli- j
ties of the project.
MR. SMITH: Who determines this consistency?
MR. ABRAMSON: I would think that that would be
estimated in Washington. We would Just accumulate these
views, and perhaps give our opinion and present it to them,
and it is left to the Washington office to decide.
MR. MUEOQE: You are referring primarily to flow
regulation, aren't you?
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J. J. Abraaaon
MR. ABRAMSON: That1* right. We are vainly
concerned with spilling of watar whan It could ba uaad for
power purpose*.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further coaaanta or
quaatlona?
(No response.)
MR. STEINj If not, thank you very much.
MR. POSTONs Commander J. C. Parker of the United
Statea Coast Guard, Dubuque, la here today, and wa would
like to hear from Coaaander Parker at this tiae.
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J. C. Parker
STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOHN
C. PARKER, OFFICER IN CHARGE, MARINE
INSPECTION, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD,
DUBUQUE, IOWA
COMMANDER PARKER: Mr, Chairman, conferees,
ladles and gentlemen:
I am here as a representative of Admiral A. J,
Carpenter, Commander of the Second Coast Guard District.
I am Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection at Dubuque,
Iowa.
I wish to explain the duties and functions of
the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is the
principal Federal law enforcement agency on the navigable
waters of the United States and on American Flag vessels
wherever they may be throughout the world, and this includes
the Mississippi River in this project area which we are
speaking of today. In this regard we enforce three Pollu-
tion Acts, the Oil Pollution Act of 1961, Oil Pollution Act
of 192*4, and the Refuse Act of 1899, which is *»07. We do
this for the Corps of Engineers.
Now, Colonel Harding is the District Engineer
for this area, and since we are the enforcement agency on
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J. C. Parker
the water, our jurisdiction does not go beyond the water.
We enforce this Refuse Act on the Mississippi River In
regard to vessels and barges.
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Colonel Harding explained the Refuse Act. In
another area, with regard to oil pollution, the Coast Guard
Inspects and certificates vessels that carry Inflammable
or combustible liquids In bulk, and also vessels that
carry dangerous and toxic chemicals. This is done by
regulation under 46 CPR, Parts 36 through 40, and Part 98 of
the Cargo Vessel Regulations.
In this regard, we also examine and certificate
persons to handle these various cargoes. In this regard,
may I say that due to the Increase of the carriage and the
transportation of chemicals and poisons in bulk by barge
on the Mississippi River, on the 23rd of March this year
there will be a hearing in Coast Guard Headquarters in
Washington, D. C. This is done by the Merchant Marine
Council, a part of the Coast Guard, which develops and
promulgates regulations.
Right now, we have available an agenda of this
meeting that will be held, and this agenda contains the
proposed rules and regulations. I would suggest that every-
one who is Interested in the change in regulations, or how
it will affect your business of your shipping on the river,
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J. C. Parker
should obtain a copy of this. You can obtain it from «•
by writing my office in Dubuque, Just United States Coast
Guard in Dubuque, and ask me for the Merchant Marine Council
proceedings agenda. We will send it to you free of charge.
Or, you can send to Washington, D. C., if you desire, if
you want to go to the top.
In the back of this book there is a blank form,
and if you have any comments to make in regard to this
matter, you should make these comments and submit them to
the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Believe rae, every
comment that is received will receive very serious eonsidera-i
tlons as to what your recommendations or suggestions are
regarding changes in regulations.
Also coming up in this agenda too, we now
examine and certificate people for the rating of tanker-
men, only tanker-men now have been defined as persons who
handle liquid combustible or Inflammable material, and it
does not necessarily qualify them for these explosive,
poisonous or toxic materialsj so what we are developing
in this thing now is an examination and certification for
people to handle these various specific chemicals.
I might say that our part in the enforcement of
pollution control here or the enforcement of the Refuse Act
of 1899 is directed primarily toward small boats, harbors,
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J. C. Parker
and terminals.
For our enforcement, we depend upon the coopera-
i
tlon of everybody who uses the waterway. Let me solicit \
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your help here in reporting any pollution In the waterway, |
and we will certainly take action.
What we do is, we will refer it to the United
States Array Corps of Engineers, the District in which the
j
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pollution occurs, and the administrative pi^ocedure explained j
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by Colonel Harding will ensue. •
Thank you. '
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(The supplemental statement submitted by Commander
Parker is aa follows: !
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!
Mr. Chairman, Conferees and Ladies and Gentlemen: '
I am here as a representative of Admiral A. J. !
Carpenter, Commander of the Second Coast Quard District at
St. Louis, Missouri. I am LCDR John C. Parker, Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection, Dubuque, Iowa. I wish to explain
the duties and functions of the U. S. Coast Guard. The
Coast Quard Is the principal Federal law enforcement agency
on the navigable waters of the United States and on American
Flag vessels wherever they may be throughout the world.
As a law enforcement agency, the Coast Quard has many
functions and they are divided into 10 major missions.
Th« first is Military Readiness. Title 14, U. S.
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J. C. Parker
Code, states that the Coast Guard shall be a military service
and a branch of the armed forces of the United States at
all times, operating In the Treasury Department in peacetime.
Title Ik also directs the Coast Guard always to be ready
to function as a specialized service in the Navy in tine of
war. Closely allied to peacetime readiness is the training
and planning of a reserve strength adequate to perform early
mobilization duties.
The second is Aids to Navigation. Prom the
beginning of the Coast Guard to the present, Aids to Naviga-
tion has developed into one of the most important of the
Coast Guard's 10 major missions. Of the 31,000 total
personnel. Aids to Navigation ia the primary duty of
6,350 officers and men and another 9,388 officers and men
spend a substantial part of their time Carrying out this
mission. The Coast Guard operates 7 types of Aids to.
Navigation. They are: Lighthouses, Lightships, Buoys,
Daybeacons, Longrange Electronics Aids (LORAN), Shortrange
Electronic Aids (RAT£N), and Fog Signals. Their cost and
complexity vary from an inexpensive river buoy costing less
than $100 to a multimillion-dollar Loran Station.
The third is Oceanography. Oceanography, the
scientific study of the sea, is a natural Interest of the
Coast Guard, which has participated regularly in
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J. C. Parker
ooeanographic current research since 191M, particularly in
the Eastern American Arctic regions.
The legislation passed in 1961 with the President'»
support gave the Coast Guard greater authority and
responsibility in oceanographic research. Also, the Coast
Guard was made a member of the interagency Committee on
Oceanography (ICO), created in I960 to coordinate the
oceanographic activities of various Government agencies
involved in developing a national program
The other members of the Committee are the
Departments of Defense (Navy); Commerce (Coast and Geodetic
Survey); Interior (Bureau of Commercial Fisheries); Health,
Education, and Welfare (Office of Education); the National i
Science Foundation; and the Atomic Energy Commission. The j
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Committee also includes observers from the National Academy j
of Science's Committee on Oceanography and the Bureau of
the Budget.
The Coast Guard will participate in the following
7 activities of a program of a National Oceanographic Data
Center Interagency agreement: Ocean-wide Surveys; In-shore
Surveys; Ocean Waves and Swell*} Ice in the Sea; Radioactivity
in the Ocean; Oil Pollution of Navigable Waters (to elaborate
on this) long-range plans to cope with this problem requires
investigation into coastal circulation and estuarine flushing
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J. C. Parker
Enforcement of the Oil Pollution Act requires ooeanographlc
studies to determine causes of problem areas in the solution
of the problem. The last of the above 7 activities is Mill- j
tary Oceanography. j
The fourth is Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement
Agencies afloat or ashore share the built-in frustration
of police work in every land and every period of history:
There are always more violators than can be prevented from
breaking the law out of ignorance or carelessness, and also
more with criminal intent than can be caught. There are
never enough men, equipment, or money to do the job they
are charged with, and the regulations they must enforce are
often obsolete or conflicting.
The Coast Guard is no exception, especially
since law enforcement is only 1 of 10 of its major missions.
Its responsibility is broad: enforcement of all Federal laws
upon the navigable waters of the United States and its
possessions and on the high seas. The laws enforced by the
Coast Guard are under four main categories relating to:
(l) Safety and law enforcement at sea or on navigable waters;
(2) Hmrbor safety and regulations] (3) Conservation}
Enforcement activities in cooperation with other Federal
agencies.
The Notorboat Act of 19*10 (amended in 1930,
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J. C. Parker
46 USC 526, and the Federal Boating Act of 1958 (*6 USC 527))
are deaigned primarily to keep the Inexperienced or carelei*
pleaaure boaters from killing or maiming themaelves or othere
The phenomenal poatNar Increase of email boats In U. S.
waters (estimated at 6 million in 1961) make these laws as
I
neceaaary and aa hard to enforce aa traffic laws aehore.
The law speciflea for each of three classes of
boata up to 65 feet long, lights, sound-signal equipment,
lifesavlng equipment* fire extinguishers, ventilation, and
the like. Registration is required for power boata of more
|
than 10 horsepower, boarding for inspection is authorized, ;
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and any boat operator may be required to show identification.
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The fifth mission is Search and R- scue. Disasters
on land and sea can happen anywhere, any time, and seldom happen
twice in Just the same way. Pferhaps the only effective way
to deal with them is to get good men, train and equip then wejll,
eatabllah general criteria, and let them use their own judg-
ment in saving lives and property when disaster strikes or
threatens,
This is the essence of the Coast Guard's Search
and Reacue mandate. They are Instructed to: "Perform any
and all acta necessary to reacue and aid persons and to
protect and aave property." A Senate Report says further
that, "... Congress expects the Coast Guard to save livea and
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J. C. Parker
property whenever it can,.."
Search and Rescue IB the Coast Guard's primary
mission. Any Coast Guard vessel or aircraft on any other
mission can be diverted to help a ship or aircraft in
distress.
The sixth mission is Ocean Stations. The Ocean
Station Program had its Inception in a pre-World War II
need for meteorological and navigational aid services for
transoceanic aircraft flights. Since then the program has
increased and diminished according to wartime versus peace-
time requirements and the austerity of budget policy. The
Coast Guard now provides the equivalent of 18 vessels
operating full time to support six ocean stations — % in the
North Atlantic and 2 in the Pacific. These vessels, while
on station, perform the following functions: (a) Collect
and transmit meteorological information to the weather
Bureau, en route aircraft, and vessels; (b) Maintain
readiness to perform search and rescue missions; (c) Provide
aircraft and vessels with aids to navigation information;
(d) Relay aircraft and vessel comiaunL cat ions; (e) Collect,
collate, and transmit tine-series oceanographlc information;
and (f) Provide a supplementary national defense
capability.
The seventh mission is Merchant Marine Safety.
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J. C. Parker
The Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Safety function can be
divided Into the following categories: (l) Inspection
and regulation of vessels and equipment for physical
protection of crew, passengers, and cargo; (2) Regulation
of marine personnel and protection of their rights; (3)
Engineering and technical supervision over safety standards]
(k) Investigation and review of marine casualties and
acts of incompetency or misconduct) and (5) Liaison with
the maritime industry and international bodies. To carry
out these broad and varied responsibilities la the duty of
510 commissioned officers, 160 warrant officers, 150 enlisted
i
men, and 400 civilian personnel. By this function of the
Coast Guard, preventive safety measures are taken to insure
that vessels engaged in the carriage of inflammable and
combustible liquids, toxic chemical in bulk, and heated
cargoes are inspected and certificated by the Coast Guard
to insure that they comply with the minimum safety require-
ments. In addition, personnel engaged in the handling of
these products are required to be examined and certificated.
The eighth mission is Reserve Training. The
Coast Guard Reserve, by its very nature, waxes and wanes
with international crises. For its purpose is to provide
a trained military force of officer and enlisted personnel
to supplement the regular Coast Guard in time of war or
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J. C. Parker
national emergency. The program has always been focused on
mobilization. It is administered by the Commandant under
"such regulation* as the Secretary of the Treasury, with the
concurrence of the Secretary of the Navy, may provide
(1*1 USC 751)."
The ninth mission is ice breaking, Though the
Coast Guard's predecessors were breaking Arctic Ice and
helping ice-beset ships nearly 100 years ago, not until
World War II did the Coast Guard get ships entirely designed
for icebreaking. Pour deep-draft Ice-breakers, the NORTH-
WIND, EASTWIND, SOUTHWIND and WESTWIND, were built for
polar and sub-polar use. All but the EASTWIND were lend-
leased to Russia for the duration, so the combined Navy-
Coast Guard wartime team got through the war with one sea-
going ice-breaker and a number of smaller vessels.
Today the United States has eight sea-going
icebreakers — five operated by the Navy and three by the
Coast Guard. The remaining Coast G ard Icebreakers are:
the MACKINAW, built in 19*41 for Great Lakes duty; the
STORIS, built In 1942 for sub-polar duty; 26 buoy tenders
and 32 harbor tuga with built-in icebreaking features,
for use In the Great Lakes and northeastern rivers and
harbor*.
Icebreakers can do many Jobs. They take part in
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J. C. Parker !
search and rescue, law enforcement, aids to navigation, and
many other missions, with their ioebreaking ability latent
until it is needed.
Title 14 of the U. S. Code gives the Coast
Guard broad authority to break ice when and where it Is
required.
The tenth mission is Port Security. The port
security program is designed to safeguard vessels, harbors, '
ports, and waterfront facilities in the United States and
i
all territory and water subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States, exclusive of the Panama Canal ?one, from
destruction, loss, or injury from sabotage or other subversive
acts, accidents, or other causes of secular nature. A ',
necessary part of the program is to prevent introduction into
the United States, through oorts, of persons, articles, or
other things, including weapons of mass destruction, inimical
i
to national security. While the objectives of the program '
are clearly stated, the character of enforcement effort is |
subject to change depending on national policy and assignment!
i
of responsibilities. i
i
All of these missions, with the exception of
i
oceanography, are carried out within the conference zone j
commensurate with the needs of the area. Particularly,
in the mission of law enforcement. The Coast Guard enforces
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J. C. Parker
the Reruns Act of 1899 which is adminiatered by the U. S.
Corps of Engineers.)
« *
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
Are there any questions or comments?
DR. HARGRAVES: I would like to ask several,
if the Commander is through.
If we have a Minnesota law -- I am thinking
particularly of marine toilets on board pleasure craft —
does this fall within your Jurisdiction? Do you have any-
thing to do with local laws?
The Forestry Service, for example, will respect
the game laws of the State in which they are in. Do you do
any policing in any way, or supervising of rules or regula-
tions laid down by the State?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, actually,
under the Bonner Act, and you do have a State-numbered law
as far as pleasure boating goes, we require a minimum on
the navigable waters for the Coast Guard regulation -- that
is, such as lights, and so forth.
DR. HARQRAVES: Yes.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Now, anything in
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J. C. Parker
addition to that --
DR. HARORAVES: But that is a Federal regulation, i
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Yea. Anything in
addition to that would be up to the State to include in their;
law.
DR. HARORAVESj I think you had some di&cuaaion
with our staff, but I would like to bring ;t out here, from
a standpoint of marine toilets.
Our legislature passed a law about three years
ago, which will apply to pleasure boats of a certain size
on lake Pepin as well as on the Mississippi, as well as
inland waters.
Now, designers haven't come up with very practical
i
marine toilets that are not going to produce this pollution l
hazard, and there la a new one which has been offered to us ,
i
through specifications, which depends upon LP gas and,
incineration, and I must admit I am afraid of this because
of the potential of explosions with LF gas on board craft.
Do you have regulations against this?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: We have a regula-
tion that prohibits the use of LP gas on vessels that carry
passengers for hire.
Now, on vessels that engage in the transportation
of freight, we have regulations that permit the use of LP
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J. C. Parker
gas consuming devices — stoves, refrigerators, etc. — and
this regulation requires a certain type of installation and
a certain continuing inspection procedure. This is to main-
tain this installation in a safe operating condition.
DR. HARQRAVES: Suppose a man has a large enough J
craft -- what would you say, 35, 40-footer, on the river — j
and takes 10 to a dozen guests out? This is not within j
your jurisdiction If he has such equipment?
i
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: No, Doctor, this |
I
Is not within our Jurisdiction. i
DR. HARGRAVES: Thank you.
i
MR. STEIN: Are there any questlona from !
i
!
Wisconsin?
MR. MUEOGE: I would like to ask one or two.
You mentioned that you refer pollution complaints
to the Corps of Engineers. What kind of pollution complaints
MR. STEIN: Would you speak louder, please, Mr.
Muegge?
MR. MUEGQE: You have indicated that you refer
pollution complaints to the Corps of Engineers. What type
of pollution ooBiplaints were you referring to?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: I an referring
to any refuse that la dumped into the river. We act as
an agent for the Corps of Engineers in enforcing the Refuse
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J. C. Parker
Act or Federal law on navigable waters.
MR. MUEOOE: You are primarily concerned then
with pollution which would interfere with navigation?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That is correct.
MR. MUEQOE: How much of the water in the region
that we are considering here is considered commercially
navigable?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: The whole
Mississippi River, the Minnesota River up to Mile 23* and
the St. Croix River up to Taylors Palls.
MR. MUEQGE: That is Just below St. Croix Palls,
or at St. Croix Palls. Do you do anything to check the
manner of disposal of sewage from barges and vessels,
commercial barges and vessels?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Actually, there is
no Federal law whi -h prohibits the dumping of raw sewage
into the navigable waters, and therefore we are not
enforcing any regulation on raw sewage from commercial
vessels going into the Mississippi River, or any other
navigable water.
MR. MUEQOE: That is all.
MR. MC DERMOTTi Commander, is It your inter-
pretation of Section k&7 that we have been referring to,
the law of 1899, that this would not prohibit, for instance.
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J. C. Parker
disposing of garbage, throwing that overboard* or what la
sometime* referred to as excrementitlous material from a
boat, or anything of that sort? You do not think that 407
covers it?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Garbage is
covered by 407.
MR. MC DERMQTT: Garbage is covered?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Actually, in the
practical application of this Refuse Act, we consider any
refuse -- that is, bilge oil, garbage or any other debris
-- that is thrown in the water by a vessel as refuse, and
would be in violation of the Refuse Act.
MR. MC DERMOTT: You don't think that would
include fecal matter?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: No, it doesn't,
because —
MR. MC DERMOTT: Do you have any specific
instruction from your superiors on that, or any interpreta-
tion from the Corps of Engineers, that it doesn't include
that kind of natter?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: This is the inter-
pretation that we have had for -nany years, because we are
in the business of Inspecting or improving plans for
vessels, and at this time there is no law or regulation
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J. C. Parker
which requires septic tanks, or containers in vessels, to
be constructed within the vessel itself to prohibit this
raw sewage, or dishwater, or bathwater, and things like
that, going into the river.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Without, Mr. Chairman, getting
into a dispute with the Commander — I have no desire to do
so at all — he is apparently satisfied that the inter-
pretation of the law that he Is familiar with is the correct
one.
I would like to read into the record Just a
portion, Mr. Reporter, of Section M07, 33 USCA. I will
just read this part of the statute into the record: j
"It shall not be lawful to throw, discharge |
I
or deposit, or cause, suffer or procure to be
thrown, discharged or deposited, either from or
out of any ship, barge, or other floating craft >
of any kind, or from the shore, wharf, manufactur-
ing establishment or mill of any kind, any refuse
matter of any kind or description whatever other
than that flowing from streets and sewers and
passing therefrom in a liquid state into any
navigable waters of the United States or into any
tributary of any navigable water, from which the
sane shall float or be washed into such navigable water
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J. C, Parker
There is considerably more to the statute* but
I won't read that.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Let me »ay In
reference to that* In our Interpretation a sewer is suoh that
we consider that overflow from vessels as a sewer. It has
been interpreted as such in the enforcement of this Refuse Ac
MR. MC DERMOTT: In other words* Commander Parkerj*
you permit vessels* if they have fecal matter aboard* simply
to throw it over the side* and this would not be considered
a violation?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER. No, it would not be
permitted.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Not over the side?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Not over the side.
No* indeed.
(Laughter.)
I guess we have to qualify this a little bit here,
It says "in a liquid state." We require on these vessels
the installation of proper sanitary facilities. As suoh --
this is another interpretation which* of course* I am
governed by — because of the use of these sanitary facili-
ties it would qualify. This seems to be the intent of this
Act* through interpretation I say again. I hope that
clarifies it.
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J. C. Park«r
MR. MC DERMOTTi I see. Just on* more question
on this, Commander.
You say there has been an interpretation. I an
curious to know, has this been an interpretation of a lawyer
in the Federal Government? Is it an opinion of the Attorney
General of the United States, or of counsel for the Coaat
Guard, or do you know, sir?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: This would be an
interpretation of the Act through these various court cases
that have occurred over the years, and in the annotated
section.
Now, I haven't done any specific reference
research on this. I would assume that we could, if we do
a little reference research here, find the court case.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see. You think there is some
case law that supports your position?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKERs That's right. Yes.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Thank you, Commander.
MR. STEIN: By the way, in the interest* of the
record for the Commander, I should point out that this Act
is under the jurisdiction primarily of the Corps of
Engineers and the Department of the Army. The basic inter-
pretations of the court decisions are not made by the Coast
Guard. They enforce them. The Department of the Ar»y makes
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J. C. Parker
the interpretation and has the Initial responsibility for
interpreting this Act.
MR. MUEOCJE: I was going to aak one more question.
MR. STEIN: Would you apeak up, Mr. Muegge,
please?
MR. MUEQCffi: You heard the testimony this
oorning in reference to leakers. Do you confirm the state-
ment that was made that one out of every twenty oil barges
is a leaker?
LIEUT2NANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, I made a
mental note of that this morning when I head that five per-
cent figure, and it seems rather large to me. However, I
have no statistics to bear out my opinion.
We do have leakers in this area. This is very
true. It is the duty of the Coast Guard in the inspection
and certification of these barges that transit the Upper
Mississippi waterway, that when there is a leaker reported
or encountered by our people, what we do is we will revoke
the certificate of inspection, and then the next thing that
must be done is that this barge that la leaking has to be
taken to a terminal where it can be pumped out.
Sometimes it is rather difficult to find empty
storage space to dispose of these petroleum or chemical
products, and in many cases this leaker, after the
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316
J. C. Parker
certificate la revoked, will be allowed to go to the
terminal it was dispatched to go to on the onaet of the
voyage.
MR. MUEQQE: Even though that may be many miles
from the point?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That la very true,
but this Is more expeditious than holding it up or tying it
up to the bank and just letting it leak and maybe drain
out into the river, and then maybe in a few days of moving,
let us say from Dubuque to St. Paul or something like that,
where there is known storage, we can expedite the removal
of this contaminating product in order to get this barge
repaired and made seaworthy again.
MR. MUEQQE: Some time ago there was an accident
down in the southern part of the Mississippi River where a
barge --
MR. STEIN: Again, Mr. Muegge, the people in back
^anft hear you.
MR. MUEQQE: Some time ago there was a barge
containing chlorine cylinders sunk in the southern part of
the Mississippi. Is there any way of controlling the
avoidance of such matter, or accident, in this area?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: This is part of
the agenda that will take place in Washington on the 23rd
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J, C. Parker
of March, the construction of bargee that contain these
separate cylinders for the carriage of these poisonous
gases.
This is part of our duty, to Investigate the
cause of all these accidents, and from this particular
accident to which you refer, the cause of this accident
was,this barge was an open hopper type barge that contained
these cylinders of chlorine, and the barge filled with
water and sank near Natchez, Mississippi. In our proposed
regulations we are proposing that board work of a certain
height be constructed around the hopper to prevent the
ingress of water into the hull, and also the requirement
of bulkheads to maintain buoyancy, should water get into
this hopper and keep this barge afloat.
This is our purpose in the investigation of all
marine casualties, and through this investigation we come
up with the regulations to prevent further accidents, or
things of that nature.
MR. MUEOQE: Thank you.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: Commander, would you think it
unreasonable if we should ask the Federal Government to
make available to the people along the Mississippi River,
and for placement at strategic points, some of these tankers
they have in mothballs, and keep them available for pickup
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318
J. C. Parksr
of oil from some of these leakers, rather than having to
hunt all over the river for a terminal?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: In this Instance,
I think that we might be adding to our problem, because then
we would have to maintain the tankers In a seaworthy con-
dition too, and that would Involve another expense.
I don't think that the number of leakers that we
have now In the Mississippi River would justify such an
expenditure. This is my own personal opinion.
MR. POSTON: Commander Parker, is it difficult
to apprehend or find a particular polluter or leaker boat?
Is this done from a boat, from one of your boats, or do you
wait until they eotne in to report, or Just how 13 this
accomplished?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Actually, our main
source of information is the Army Corps of Engineers. They
have, in this Upper Mississippi River System, 27 locks
in transiting this river. If there are leakers, I mean
they will show up in one of these locks Immediately. We
are informed of this and will take immediate action,
depending on, you know, where he is, and so forth.
Usually, if there is a leaker, they give us a
call. We can call them by radio and tell them to stop,
and we will go down and take a look at this barge and
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J. C. Parker
determine just how serious the situation is.
I mean, does it endanger life and property? This
i
is a question we have to answer immediately and determine j
i
what can be done, determine If it la closer to terminals
that are south, or can It be permitted to go to the north
to its terminal area, wherever it may be, in the river.
MR. POSTON: I was trying particularly to bring
out whether or not this is an easy matter to determine
when there la leakage, or whether it might persist down a
stretch of the stream and the boat be going on down through
the lock and dam some distance away.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, the average
pool is about 30 miles in length, and it could not persist
for any more than about 30 miles, or, well, at the onset,
about six hours moving up and down this Upper Mississippi
River.
MR. POSTON: I think probably I was thinking
somewhat too of intermittent discharges of oil that might
^ome from a boat. This sometimes occurs, I am informed.
Another thing that I wondered: Do you have a
specific fleet or boats that Just look for pollution? Is
that their major Job? Is there a specific appropriation
or is this Just one of the duties that you perform in
addition to many others?
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J. C. Parker
LIEUTENANT COMMANDS* PARKER: This Is one of
the duties we perform in addition to many others.
We do have one vessel In this area, the Coast
Guard Cutter Pern, and ahe has the duty too to observe
any violations of Federal law. Should this occur, I mean,
then they take action immediately.
I was going to say here we have these Major
catastrophes, such as collisions, and there is nothing you
can do in this matter other than take whatever immediate
action you can in order to prevent the danger of the dis-
charge of these combustible or poisonous materials into the
waterways. We have had a couple of them, as I think Mr.
Hauser explained, down at Lock and Dan 5> where a gasoline
barge broke away and went Into the dam, and there were a
couple of million gallons of gasoline discharged into the
waterway.
Well, then the only thing you do is set up
patrols to keep people from Igniting th.'.s fuel until it
dissipates into the river.
MR. POSTON: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Commander.
Are there any other comments or questions?
MR. WILSON: Mr. Chairman, I would Just like
to follow up Mr. Poston's question, if I may ask another
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J. C. Parker
question, which is certainly of interest to the authorities
of both States, the conservation authorities and others
from the enforcement standpoint. That is this matter of
intermittent oil spills which are frequently reported, and
very irritating to the public and to fishing.
What do you do about the problem of those spills?
What is the problem of identifying the violator and
prosecuting him?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, this is a
very difficult matter, and we are also extremely irritated
by these intermittent spills I mean, if somebody purposely
— and we know this for a fact too ~~ purposely will dump
bilge water or oil or something else into the river. Now,
they do this, you Bight say, at night, or where they cdn't
,e observed. This is an intentional violation of the law,
and when they do it they know they are violating the law
and they are not going to let anybody know about it.
Now, after it happens, I mean, you are not going
to hide this thing. It doesn t go away. It increases
and it becomes very obvious that somebody at some time has
thrown oil or tome other product into the river that is
polluting the area. When we get a report of this — this
Is where we depend upon the people, the fishermen, the
trappers, the recreational boaters, and so forth, to report
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J. C. Parker
this to us as soon as possible — then, as soon as we
get this report, we send somebody up there and we take
samples of this, and we try to trace it back to where :t j
i
occurred. Then, just through regular police work — I mean, !
j
tracking down people who live around the area, or anybody ;
else who lives In the area — we narrow it down to the
possibility of who did it.
Sometimes this is impossible to find, and some-
times we are really lucky and we can make a report of a
violation of the Refuse Act. \
I
MR. MC DERMOTT: On that same point, you say this !
i
type of sporadic pollution you find irritating, Commander. j
You will recall that Colonel Harding, I believe, spoke of j
!
31 investigations made of alleged or reported pollutions in j
i
the Mississippi since 1957. Were any of these 31 investiga- i
tions he referred to matters, investigations in which the i
Coast Guard was involved, and did they involve sporadic
pollution of the type you have —
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Not in this Upper
Mississippi River, but in the Rock Island District we were
involved in five cases of this sporadic nature.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Did you run down the persona
ou believed to be the offenders?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That la correct.
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323
J. C. PARKER
MR. MC DERMOTT: They wer« di»cover«d?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Not all of them
were.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Not all of them?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: I mean, there were
a couple of spills, possibly from boats, that we Just were
not able to run down.
MR. MC DERMOTT: I see.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Now, others —
I would say four of them In the last two years, we were
able to run down the source of pollution.
MR. MC DERMOTT: Commander, do you know if,
as to those four, any prosecution was ever instituted by
the appropriate United States Attorney?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: We 1.1, as a matter
of fact, no prosecution was recjommended.
MR. MC DERMOTT: None recommended?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: I mean, they were
warned because they were first offenders.
MR. MC DERMOTT: J see. If they had been second
offenders, would it have been recommended, do you believe?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That is possible.
That is right. This is not within our purview.
MR. MC DERMOTT: You don't make the recommendations?
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J. C. Parker
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That's right.
MR. MC DERMOTT: You make the investigations?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: We make the
investigations, and this is the District Engineer's.
MR. MC DERMOTT: All right. Thank you.
DR. MARGRAVES: Could you tell me what chemicals
are being shipped by barge and are most of the dangerous
ores., other than the petroleum products, and, of course,
I don't mean by-products ano synthetics. Are they shipped
by drums, barrels, this sort of thing, in the bargea? Just
what can we look forward to in case some of these chemicals
are concerned?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, anhydrous
ammonia, and this is shipped in a pressure vessel.
DR. MARGRAVES: Bulk?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Bulk.
DR. MARGRAVES: Large vessel?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Large vessel.
That's right. Sulfuric acid.
DR. MARGRAVES: Also bulk?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Also bulk. That'*
right.
DR. HARGRftVES: And what would bulk mean? Co»-
partments of 10,000 gallons, or more? That is a tank truck.
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J. C. Parker
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: It would probably
be up to 30,000 gallons In one container, and then there
would possibly be six containers In one hopper barge.
DR. HAR0RAVES: So we are actually getting Into
pretty potent chemicals that are now cooing up the river?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That is very true,
and this is why we are presently concerned that there is
a definite danger in the shipment of this, should something
occur. There should be some regulation in order to prevent
this, and now the regulation requires that the barges that
do haul these dangerous chemicals be suitably marked, so
that they can be identified by the people that tow them and
people on shore, so they know that there is a definite
danger.
MR. WILSON: How long a stretch of the river IB
under your Jurisdiction?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Prom Keokuk to the
head of navigation above Minneapolis.
MR. WILSON: How many patrol boats do you have
for enforcement purposes in that area?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, we have two
large tenders. That is the Coast Guard Cutter Ooldenrod,
stationed at Keokuk, and the Coast Guard Cutter Pern at
Dubuque, and then at St. Paul here we have a mobile boarding
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J . C. Parker
tcan.
Now, this i» an enforcement body principally
charged with the enforcement of motorboat laws. They also
have a small boat.
Then we have three small boats In Dubuque, Iowa,
that we use for Intermittent patrolling on the Mississippi
River. This is for search and rescue in overdue boats.
MR. WILSON: Are you able, with those boats,
to maintain anything like that continuous patrol of the
river, like the highway traffic officers do on the highways?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: No, sir, we are
not.
MR, WILSON: You can only go out when you are
called on in sowe particular case?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That IB very true.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: How big is a small boat?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Well, I refer to
our largest as a 36-foot patrol boat.
MR. MUEOGE: Commander, do any of the vessels •
haul pesticides in bulk?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: That is very true.
They do.
MR. WISNIEWSKI: In liquid form?
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: In liquid form.
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327
J, C .Fark»r
I doubt whether aro of t .Sra - wn f*y*n*t b««n too concerned
with the transportation of particular exotic ch«aical» or
pesticides in this Upper Mississippi River, Hew ever, on
the Ohio River, th'e has de»* uvltely been true that they are
hauling numerous pesticide* end Industrial chemicals.
MR. STEIN; Are there any further questions or
comments?
(No response,)
MR. STE'N: If not, thank you very much.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PARKER: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: We w:Ill take a short recess.
(Where; pon ^ short recess was had. )
MR. STEIN: May wo reconvene?
We expect tc atoc after the Federal representa-
tives and have both States and the State people go on
tomorrow. We will reconvene at nine-thirty tomorrow, and
I understand the only door open tomorrow will be the south
door on the Puller Street Highway Building side. No coffee
or food facilities are available. However, there will b«
plenty of parking apace at that entrance. No one will b«
here except us, if you come,
1 may say we had to intervene at the highest
level to get the power put on for us here tomorrow.
Evidently, they do close the place down.
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328
I would like to take Just one second before we
go on. We have had some Inquiries during the recete about
what is happening.
I think in the stages of any inquiry of this
kind, we painstakingly try to get all the facts, and this is
the process whereby we do it. I think the questions froa
the States and the responses have been very, very effective
in developing certain aspects of the problems.
What I would suggest is not to let this thing
obscure the end results, because these problems do come on
to an end result. Don't think the investigation is getting
out of perspective, because you think the inquiries are
directed in many, many cases to areas of information relative
ly obscure or unknown to the conferees. This does not mean
that this may be the most important part of the pollution
problem, but they have the other parts in their reports and
in our report that they are relatively familiar with. I
think the Inquiries are being directed to the parts where
the answers to this will illuminate the situation, and I
think this should be kept in mind as this goes on.
Again, there was an inquiry, I think, directed
to Dr. Hargraves relative to --
DR. HARQRAVES: The question was asked whether
any radioactive material was shipped on the river. He seemed
to be particularly interested in the toxic agents going up
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and down, for nany reasons, and the answer Is no, there is
none. I think If there Is any man here frtm Elk River
or the A.E.G. who could answer or back my statement up —
anyway, it is shipped in. The spent fuel is taken back
out again, and what circulating water there is used for
cooling has been measured by our group with the Public Health
group on regular monitoring, and the amount of radiation is
less than background radiation.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Dr. Hargraves.
la there anyone here from Elk River who might
want to make a statement?
MR. PAUL: I am here from the City of Minneapolis,
and I understand that you are adjourning the meeting now?
MR. STEIN: No. We will in a few minutes.
MR. PAUL: And reconvene in the norning? I
won't be able to be here in the morning, and I would like
to know if I could leave the statement of the City of
Minneapolis for Incorporation in the record tomorrow.
MR. STEIN: Anyone who will not be able to be
here, leave the statement with your State representatives
and they will put it in the record for you.
MR. PAUL: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Again, before we cane out here on
this case, we obviously always look at any thermonuclear
installations in an area. I did check the Elk River
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330
situation out in Washington with the A.B.C. officials
responsible for the national program and the installation
and our own technical people. Their views coincide with
Dr. Margraves' view. In other words, there is no water
pollution problem from the Elk River installation as far as
can be ascertained.
Also, this has been pretty thoroughly looked
into by the A.E.G., the Public Health people and our people,
and we are satisfied that that is a reasonably clean
operation, more than reasonably clean. As Dr. Hargraves
says, what comes out is less than background.
Mr. Poaton?
MR. POSTON: The Department of Agriculture Soil
Conservation Service has Mr. Herbert Flueck here today, and
we will hear Mr. Plueck at this time.
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H. A. PLUECK
STATEMENT OP HERBERT A. PLUECK, STATE
CONSERVATIONIST, UNITED STATES DEPART-
MENT OP AGRICULTURE, SOIL CONSERVATION
SERVICE, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
MR. PLUECK: Mr. Chairman, conferees, and ladies
and gentlemen:
I appreciate having the opportunity of making
a short statement here on a subject that the Department is
very much interested In which is directly related to this
problem. It has to do with soil erosion, runoff and sedi-
mentation.
Sediment is the product of erosion. Soil erosion
occurs in several ways — sheet erosion, gully erosion,
streambank erosion -- all contribute to the destruction of
the land and intensify the problem of pollution and sedi-
mentation in our streams, rivers and lakes. These forces
will continue unless roan provides protection measures.
Sediment damage directly affects every citizen,
not Just the land owner and operator who tills the land
where the sediment comes from.
Our taxes are higher in order to pay for dredging
silt from navigable channels and streams and cleaning roadside
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332
H. A. Plueck
ditches. Our Mater bills are higher In order to cover added
filtration costs necessary to obtain quality water. Cost
of replacing reservoirs filled with silt is also an item.
Cost of removing sediment from roads, ditches,
reservoirs, lakes, etc., range from 25-50 cents per cubic
yard. Some cities, where their water supply reservoirs silt
up find it cheaper to build new reservoirs than to dredge
old ones. Providing new storage capacity usually coats
from 10 to 30 cents a cubic yard. On the other hand, the
cost of holding the soil on the land by sound soil and water
conservation measures is less than b cents a cubic yard.
In addition, there is a saving by keeping soil nutrients on
the land for use by crops. For example, for each ton of
top soil there is $2 of available plant nutrients.
To date the Soil Conservation Service, as an
agency in the Department of Agriculture, has the responsi-
iility to assist farmers develop soil and water conservation
plans for their land. Such plans, when applied to the land
by the farmers, will reduce soil erosion and materially
reduce soil sediment pollution of streams. This assistance
is made available through locally formed and administered
soil and water conservation districts. All lands contribut-
ing water to the Upper Mississippi River Basin above Lake
Pepin are in organized soil and water conservation districts
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333
H. A. Flueok
except two counties (Todd and Hibbard In Minnesota). Each
of the districts has developed programs that are concerned
with land use nnd proper treatment of the lands to maintain
economical family farm units and hold soil and water loss
to a minimum. Land use includes determinations for agri-
cultural croplands, woodlands, permanent pasture and
recreation and wildlife. The land treatment measures, such
as terraces, diversions, strip cropping, crop rotations,
grassed waterways, along with tree planting and vegetative
cover, are used to reduce sheet erosion and Conserve water
by reducing runoff. Structures are usec' bo control gully
erosion and create impoundment for flood prevention and
flowage control. Many of these practices are cost-shared
under the Agricultural Conservation Program.
Results of experiments at the Clarinda, Iowa,
Experiment Station during 193*1-19^1 show that soil loss is
6.7 tons per acre per year less on terraced plots than on
non-terraced. Both plots had the same crop rotation and
percent of slope. These experiments also showed a sharp
reduction in soil loss from contour farming compared to up
and down hill farming.
In addition to the regular district programs,
additional technical and financial assistance is available
to local groups, on a watershed basis, under the Watershed
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334
H. A. Plu«ck
Protection and Flood Prevention Act, as amended (Public Law
566).
There are 23 active watersheds in the basin, above
Lake Pepin, for which the local people have requested
assistance under this Act. The applications include requests
for assistance on flood prevention and sediment control,
agricultural water management and non-agricultural water
management, including recreation and fish and wildlife
development.
Based on our evaluation of Cooks Valley in south-
eastern Minnesota, and other watersheds planned or being
planned, sediment from sheet erosion can be reduced by about
one-half with proper and adequate land use and treatment.
This, then, can be further reduced by installing properly
placed structures (flood prevention, grade stabilization
and sediment control). The amount of sediment trapped by
structures will be approximately 90 to 95 percent from the
watershed area above the structure. A coordinated and
complete soil and water conservation program which treats
all of the sediment sources involved can be expected to
reduce downstream rates of sediment production by 50 to
80 percent, but will be substantially less in areas of gentle
slope where erosion is not particularly active. The range
covers variations in soil credibility and topography. Special
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335
H. A. Plueck
consideration will need be given to control of streambank
erosion.
The Soil Conservation Service, Forest Service
and Economic Research Service, as agencies of the Department,
are coordinating their programs and activities with the
i
i
Department of the Army and the Department of Health, Educa- !
tion, and Welfare. This la coming into full focus in the
comprehensive Basin studies like the Upper Mississippi
i
River Basin, Red River of the North, etc. The comprehensive !
I
plan for the Upper Mississippi Basin is concerned with the |
use of water and related land resources. '
i
Cooperation by all users of land and water, I
j
whether farmers, city dwellers, fishermen, hunters, or other
recreational enthusiasts, is Important and necessary to
obtain the best overall use of oar resources. Such efforts
will result in reduced slltatlon in our streams and reservoir?
and help to maintain the health and welfare of our people.
I want to make one comment that I did not relate
to any residue, anything coining off a farm, after using
pesticides and various chemicals.
We checked into that, of course, over a short
period of time. We were not able to come up with anything
valuable enough or pertinent enough to talk about it, and
I think in the reports this morning you will note that it
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336
H. A. Plueck
was indicated that that IB an area that needs to be studied*
so I want you to be mindful of the fact that we did look
into it.
Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Plueck.
Are there any comments or questions?
MR. WILSON: I would like to ask Mr. Plueck a
few questions.
Mr, Plueck, your work ia carried on State-wide
with the cooperation of the local soil conservation
districts, is it not?
MR. PLUECK: Right.
MR. WILSON: How much of the State of Minnesota
is still not included in those districts?
MR. PLUECK: Upper Todd Lake and Cook Counties, j
principally. |
I will say this: I think all of St. Louis
County has not organized, but there are two soil conserva-
tion districts in St. Louis County.
MR. WILSON: Do you feel the land of the
tributaries to most of the important streams and lakes in
the State is now incorporated in soil conservation districts?
MR. PLUECKi Very close to that.
MR. WILSON: Now, what is your latest estimate
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337
H. A. Flueck
of the percentage of farm land In the State which you now
consider to be under as good erosion control as is
reasonably attainable?
MR. PLUECK: Quickly, I would say 20 percent.
MR. WILSON: You mentioned the number of water-
shed districts in the State. How many did you aay there
are?
MR. FLUECK: I referred to watershed applications.
I referred to watershed applications, active watersheds,
actually, not necessarily applications, but 23 watershed
areas have people in their organizing or moving in the
direction of watershed protection works of improvement.
MR. WILSON: Those projects go on in the water-
shed areas systematically within a certain watershed supple-
menting the activities of the local soil conservation
district, do they not?
MR. FLUECK: That is right. They are over and
above the normal, every-day Jobs that the local districts
and farmers carry out on the land treatment measures farm by
farm.
MR. WILSON: They are instituted where the
erosion problem Is particularly bad and needs special measure
MR. PLUECK: It could be the erosion problem plus
flood and water management problems. The watershed Public
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338
H. A. Plueok
Lav 566 is a vehicle for them to use where it :a Bore than
one or two can handle themselves, or more.
MR. WILSON: In how many of those areas Is the
watershed program now in complete operation, or anything
like complete operation?
MR. PLUECK: Well, I think that you recognize
that back in the early days, Oilmore Creek is probably as
complete as we can get it. East Willow, the pilot out of
Preston, Is very good. We had completed, or we are
approaching completion of the tributaries in the Hawk,
which is a big expanse of area out there under operations
right now. It is near completion.
MR, WILSON: So how many altogether do you figure
are in a state of reasonably good complete operation?
MR. PLUECK: You are talking about watersheds now?
MR. WILSON: Yes.
MR. PLUECK: Well, I would say in Minnesota, of
course, the Chippewa is about four fairly large watersheds
in themselves, plus East Willow, Rush Creek and Bear Valley
by the way, was completed this year, and I would have
Oilmore Creek, and the demonstration project In southeast
Minnesota.
MR. WILSON: Prom your knowledge of the State as
a whole, how many of those watershed projects do you think
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339
H A. Flueolc
will be necessary to cover the entire State with the typ« of
service that IB needed.
MR. PLUECK: That is quite a question, Chester.
I would say I believe in the conservation needs watersheds
study that they cane up with about 270 watersheds. Now,
these are not large, but are relatively small. They are
community-type watersheds that need some works of improvement
relating to flood control, water management, recreation and
wildlife.
MR. WILSON: Then in point of number of various
needed watershed treatments that are actually receiving that
treatment, we hardly have 2 percent yet. Isn't that correct'
MR. FLUECK: We have hardly scratched the surface
Yea, we have Just started.
MR. WILSON: That is all.
OR. HARORAVESj Mr. Flueck, on our new program
that Secretary Freeman has been talking about — in other
words, turning many of the farms back to recreational areas
to get them out of active production — have we had any
approaches yet in Minnesota? I ask that because many of
these are watershed or multi-watershed projects also, with
recreational lakes and small reservoirs, which now fall under
our Jurisdiction too in the new statute.
MR. FLUECKt You are referring to the opportunity
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3*0
H. A. Fluack
for fanner* to get assistance from the Department of Agri-
culture In recreation, which is now a land use?
DR. HARORAVES: Right.
MR. PLUECK: And also for us to assist them In
establishing, or in watersheds establishing water-base
recreations?
DR. HARQRAVES: Do you have any requests as yet?
MR. PLUECK: Yes, we do. We have requests.
Actually, on private recreation, on private Incoae recrea-
tion, we have had quite a number of requests.
After one year, or shortly less than one year
after the Pood and Agriculture Act of 1962 that provided
that was in effect, we had talks based on inquiries from
900 fanners and land owners In the State of Minnesota. If
I can remember my figures, about 164 were interested in
doing something shortly. About 48 already had.
DR. HARORAVES: In the way of Impoundments?
MR. PLUECK: Some of then were Impoundments.
DR. HARORAVES: And the rest were?
MR. PLUECK: Some w«r« tapping sites.
DR. HARORAVES: Thank you.
MR. WILSON: May I ask Just one Bore question?
In your opinion, Mr. Plueck, what will It take
to speed up the spreading of good erosion control practices
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H. A. Plueck
on th« 80 percent of the farm land in Minnesota that do not
have those practices now, and the completion of the 26?
watershed areas that we still need according to your
estimate?
MR. PLUECK: well, I will give you a partial
answer, I won't give you a whole answer.
Of course, first, you realize fully well this
is a matter of attitude. This is atlll a voluntary program,
uut we don't have enough technicians. We have never been
able to service all the cost-sharing Items that the ASCS
Committee had the opportunity to contract for with their
local people. We do the technical work. We have never
been able to fulfill all the needs or the local districts.
In very few cases, some cases we have, but very few. We do
the on-site assistance, of course. Some of this work Is
technical, and we Just don't have enough help in the every-
day work.
Now, when it comes to watersheds, this is again
a matter of money. We need more technicians to move these
things along a little faster.
As I said, I would answer It partially. The
other part, of course, is that this is voluntary. All
people are not subscribing to this right this minute. It
takes a little doing. It takes a little selling.
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H. A. Plu«ck
Even though I make that statement, I Mill say,
aa I said before, we can't begin to supply the needs, but
to do it like you said would take more people and more
money.
MR, WILSON: Where would you allot the responsi-
bility as between the State and its counties and soil
conservation districts, and the Federal Government, for
supplying what it takes to make up this lag in getting soil
conservation of the land?
MR. FLLECK: Well, I am one who has always felt
the local government, the county, the State has a very big
stake in this, and I think the Federal Government certainly
is in a position to help; but I would expect that we may
be arriving at a point where the addition, the strengthening
of the position, may have to come largely from the counties
and the State.
I want to say this: In the county commissioners,
in the States, I imagine that this year they have allocated
probably up to 80 or $90,OOO with respect to districts for
their assistance in hiring aid to supplement our people.
The State has appropriated annually about $277,000. That
includes, of course, 36 or $37,000 for added watershed
planning help. That goes to the State Committee, and, in
turn, is passed over to us. That also includes about 39
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H. A. Plueck
or $40,000 for State Committee operations, and it also
Includes about 160, if my figurea are right, for direct aid
to local soil conservation districts, for hiring aides,
and we are about the tenth in the size of appropriations in
the United States. So this has been very helpful, and, of
course, the State Conservation Department has been very
active in their particular field of work.
The Game and Pish Department, the Forestry
Department, have cooperated and are in agreement with moat
districts in the State, and they are cooperating together,
forestry and game and fish and wildlife, and so the State
has quite a bit going for It in that regard.
MR. WILSON: Have you any estimate of the amount
of State appropriation it would take to get this job done
in the next twenty years, the annual appropriation, to speed
it up so that you could complete it In twenty years? .
MR. PLUECK: State-wide I don't, Chester. I am
sorry. That would be a little hard for me to figure out
right from here.
MR. WILSON: It nas taken more than 25 years
to reach this present state of 20 percent application, has
it not?
MR. PLUECK: Yes, it has, and, of course, I
think we started from scratch.
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H. A. Flueok
DR. HARORAVES: Remember snowball*.
MR. PLUECK: Remember what?
DR. HARORAVES: Snowballs.
MR. PLUECK: Yes. This has to be sold, ladles
and gentlemen. I believe there is one field in the State of
Minnesota that was somewhat on the contrary when we intro-
duced it into Minnesota, but I want to say that with the
Soil Conservation District, with the State Association, the
State Committee, the respective agencies in the State, there
is quite a push behind it, with the various agencies, some
of which I mentioned, the Department of Agriculture, the
PHA; and don't let me forget the Extension Service, the
educational arm of thia type of work, which is very important
DR. HARQRAVES: I Just wanted to clinch this,
and I know that Herb Plueck will agree with me and with
Chet Wilson, that this is a most important aspect of keeping
siltation out of the reservoirs we build, and the ailtage
out of the lakes we are interested in in keeping the main
streams clean, so that it is closely tied up with water
pollution.
MR. STEIN: I couldn't agree with you more,
Doctor.
You know we have a pollution abatement program
as a result of one of these conferences on the Potomac River
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H. A. Plueck
near Washington, and the question everyone ask* is when
are you going to swim in the Potomac? The answer we give
is, "Prom a bacteriological point of view, we think you will
be able to swim in there by 1966."
But why anyone would want to go in there and
come out dirtier than when they went in, I don't know. Until
we get some soil conservation practices, I don't know j
whether this will be ever desirable for swimming.
They have people building in the immediate area. !
The people come in with their bulldozers in their subdivisionjs
i
and I don't see them practicing soil conservation. |
i
MR. MUEQQE: J have no questions. I would Just
like to comment that our last legislature has defined
siltation as water pollution. Any siltatlon resulting from
the operation of gravel pits, quarries, mines, subdivision
development, road development, and unreasonable erosion from
land is defined as water pollution. We hope that we may
exercise more control than has been exercised in the past.
We do have many areas in the western part of
the State that practice soil erosion control, and anyone
who flies over it will see the beautiful patterns of contour
farming.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
Mr. Poston?
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3*6
MR. POSTON: I Mould like to ask now whether
there are any other Federal agencies here that would care
to make a statement at this time. I think I have Included
everyone, but I will ask just once more.
(No response. )
MR. POSTON: If not, Mr. Stein, this is the
end of the testimony by the Federal agencies.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
I know that a lot of you people have come here
at considerable time and expense, and expected to make a
statement today, but evidently we have run out of time and
we are going to have to go on tomorrow, which is a relatively
unusual procedure, because we rarely have things of this
type on Friday.
We had a special situation here, as you can
appreciate, in attempting to adjust our schedule with the
schedules of the two governors, who wanted to participate,
and Friday was the only day available to get this started.
I would strongly urge that anyone who has a
feeling for this who can possibly stay, if you can stay, you
are entirely welcome. It is the contribution of the people
who come that makes these conferences what they are and
provide ideas; but if you find you cannot stay, if you would
give your statement to your respective State agencies, this
will be put in the record and read into the record, and
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3*7
fully considered by the conferees in any determination we
might make.
Are there any questions that anyone might have
in the audience, before we recess?
(No response.)
MR. STEIN: If not, we will stand adjourned until
9:30 tomorrow in the same place.
(Whereupon, at 4:*JO p.m., the conference was
adjourned until 9:30 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 196*1.)
GPO 878-447
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region V, Library -"""'
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604^'
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