preciated the problem. The 240-mile-long aqueduct canal in Los Angeles is just one of the many examples of California's effort to overcome the unequal distribution of water, to make it practical and feasible in all parts of our State.

Last year Congress enacted important legislation designed to alleviate the water pollution control and abatement problem. Important as this action was, evidence gathered from the hearings held in California and across the country by this subcommittee indicated that we are not doing enough, and greater effort is needed to deal with this most serious national problem.

As a result of these hearings, the subcommittee made recommendations to further attack the water problem. Many of these recommendations are incorporated in Senate bill 2947. Our subcommittee found greater Federal assistance was needed to meet the cost of municipal water treatment construction between now and 1972. Senate bill 2947 would help to answer the dire need of the many communities across the Nation by authorizing a 6-year Federal program of sewage treatment construction grants. As costly as this program would seem to be, I am convinced it is necessary for the health, the welfare, and future growth and prosperity of our Nation.

We in the West have always been keenly aware that water is a critically important resource. The shortage experienced in the Northeast section of our Nation last year served to underscore the fact that the water problem is now national in scope. It must be faced, and faced now. That is why I feel there is no more important subject than that of water. As the major substance of all living things, water is truly an extraordinary substance. It is essential for the transportation of man's commerce, for providing man's essential power, for irrigating his farms, and for sustaining life itself. The poet Byron once said: "Til taught by pain, man really knows not what good water is worth.

It is the duty of the Congress, I believe, and States and local communities, and industries, to see that the "pain" of inadequate water supplies can be avoided by proper, prudent planning. Hopefully, the effort of this subcommittee will contribute greatly to this end.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman. I congratulate you on your efforts so far. I sincerely hope we can come to a real final, conclusive answer to many of the problems during these hearings that are about to take place.

Senator MUSKIE. Thank you very much, Senator Murphy.

It is a pleasure to welcome the newest member of the subcommittee who has joined the subcommittee because of his interest in the subject. Senator Tydings.

Senator TYDINGS. I am delighted to be present today. As the newest ember of this committee, this is my first opportunity to attend hearngs on the subject of water pollution. As you know, the principal reason I asked to be assigned to the Public Works Committee is because this is the committee which has jurisdiction over the tremendously grave and important problem of water and water pollution. I think that the statements of yours and the other distinguished Senators here, particularly the distinguished Senator from West Virginia, confirm my judgment in asking to be placed on this subcommittee.

I would like to associate myself particularly with the statement of the Senator from West Virginia, because many of the great rivers he

spoke of are rivers which run through West Virginia and my State. I might add that there is no more important area or problem of the people of Maryland than the cleanliness of our great estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, which is formed by two of the great river basins of the eastern part of the United States, the Susquehanna and the Potomac. I think there are few things as important to mankind as insuring an adequate supply of quality water. It is fundamental to human existence, and without it life cannot exist.

Over the ages, man has fought and died for this most precious of resources. There is grave question in one part of the world today whether warfare may not again break out over the disposition of water resources. I refer to the Middle East. The United States is also faced with a crisis in water. Blessed with ample, but not overly abundant supply, we have permitted too long the pollution and fouling of our streams, to the extent that today, frankly, it is a national disgrace. Cities have often indiscriminately dumped their wastes into rivers. Industry has shown a similar disregard for others downstream by using the waterways as a free system of waste disposal.

I think the Congress is going to have to face up to the fact that industry is going to have to pay its fair share in cleaning up the rivers and the waters that they have fouled and polluted. These hearings should be a tremendously important step in this long and costly effort. While the Federal Government has already done much, more is needed. The principal bills we are about to consider are welcome additions to the legislation already on the books, particularly S. 2947 and S. 2987 sponsored by the chairman.

I hope that the subcommittee and the witnesses will also consider two bills that I introduced last week. The first would amend the Water Quality Act to insure the maritime wastes, that is, wastes from boats and marinas, are included in the water quality standard to be set up by the several States and Health, Education, and Welfare. Over 8.5 million boats and 5,200 marinas contribute a great deal to the filth floating about in our waters. Any of you who have been around a marina or regetta in the summertime where a great many boats are congregated will know what it does to water.

Ten years ago, in the Maryland Legislature, I fought unsuccessfully for the first minimal step in this procedure. Unfortunately, the special interest forces killed our legislation in the State senate. But I would hope here that we would realize that at least a first step in the area of marine pollution should be considered.

The second proposal which I would hope would be given consideration is a bill which would provide Federal grants to the States to aid them in training competent personnel actually to man the more sophisticated waste treatment plants now being built by the various towns and local municipalities across the country. A great deal, millions and millions of dollars, are being spent in the construction of these very important now tertiary treatment facilities, and the pollution problems we face are far too important and technical, too sophisticated, to allow these plants to be operated by any but the best trained people.

Unfortunately, a small town or local community frequently will not spend the money to send the local supervisor or manager of a waste

treatment plant to one of these refresher courses which are being offered by our various State universities. I found this when I was an attorney for 6 years in the little town of Aberdeen. We could not get the town commissioners to appropriate, even though it was a small amount of money, $150, I believe it was, to send the manager of the waste treatment plant to a refresher course.

My second amendment would provide small matching grants, so that small communities would be able to send their technical people to a refresher course to improve their competence in this vital area.

Mr. Chairman, I am confident that the hearings we are about to begin today will bring a great deal of enlightenment on this subject to the American public. I congratulate you on your leadership in this field.

Senator MUSKIE. Thank you very much, Senator Tydings.

May I compliment all of my colleagues for the excellent beginning they have given to our record on these hearings. I have rarely begun Senate hearings with such a significant contribution made at the outset by members of the subcommittee. I think the next time we have a series of hearings we will ask you fellows to sit down where the experts sit and we will listen to you.

I congratulate you all. I appreciate your comments.

Senator Ribicoff, I know you have been patient and waiting for your turn to testify, but I think you will agree with me that the evidence of concern we have on the part of the subcommittee members, and the fact that we have scheduled today just testimony by Senators, holds high promise for effective legislation in this session. May I say that it is a pleasure to have you. No Member of the Senate has a better record of interest and concern for intelligent contributions to the solution of this problem than you have had as Governor of Connecticut, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and Senator from Connecticut. We are happy to start off by listening to you. STATEMENT OF HON. ABRAHAM RIBICOFF, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

Senator RIBICOFF. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity. Let me say all the country, not only the Senate, owes a debt of gratitude to you and the subcommittee for your leadership in this important field.

Frankly as each one of you continued your excellent statements I kept marking off another paragraph in mine. Therefore I ask unanimous consent that my entire statement be placed in the record and I will be very brief.

Senator MUSKIE. Without objection, that may be done. (The prepared statement referred to follows:)

PREPARED STATEMENT OF HON. ABRAHAM RIBICOFF, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate this opportunity to testify this morning in behalf of legislation to strengthen the Nation's attack on what has been aptly described as "a national disgrace"-the problem of water pollution.

Let me say at the outset that no single group has devoted more time and energy to this problem that this subcommittee under the leadership of the Senator from Maine. For that we are all in your debt.

The subcommittee's report entitled "Steps Toward Clean Water" is a landmark of clear, concise definition of the problem confronting us. Another report from the National Academy of Sciences points out that—

*** even with efficient waste treatment by 1980 our effluents would be sufficient to consume all the oxygen of all the flow in dry weather of the 22 river basins in the United States. Chemical poisons are being introduced in new forms so fast that the toxicologists cannot keep up with them."

The scope of this problem must be emphasized over and over again. To too many this is but a "beautification" problem. To others it is a "fish and wildlife" matter. Others take refuge in the old saw about water cleaning itself every 7 miles. We must face the fact that the problem of water pollution is a people problem and if we ignore it we do so at our peril.

As the National Academy of Sciences has pointed out

"Pollution increases not only because as people multiply the space available to each person becomes smaller, but also the demands per person are continually increasing, so that each throws away more year by year. As the earth becomes more crowded there is no longer an 'away.' One person's trash basket is another's living space."

Our job basically-and that of government at all levels and private industryis to keep this earth habitable. To do so, in the water pollution problem area alone, will require a massive effort. That is why I introduced my bill, S. 2481, in recognition of the great need for intensifying Federal support for municipal waste treatment works construction. The thorough consideration that your Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution has given to this need is everywhere reflected in your significant and meaningful "Steps Toward Clean Water" report. Consequently, I am most pleased to join in sponsoring S. 2947, whose provisions are designed to carry through the recommendations advanced in the subcommittee's report.

The program of Federal grants to assist communities in constructing required waste treatment works has proven itself successful to the point that even longtime opponents, such as the National Association of Manufacturers. have conceded that it constitutes an appropriate approach to the Nation's pollution problem. Since the program's inception in 1957, a total Federal contribution of $728 million has spurred the investment of $2.7 billion in local funds to meet the cost of 6,582 projects amounting to $3.4 billion. These projects will serve to improve water quality in 55,000 miles of stream. Truly an impressive record of accomplishments in a program that has proceeded with at best a minimum rate of funding. We have been putting off for too long the full realization of its potential. Everyone admits that municipal wastes are one of the two principal sources of pollution. We are continually reminded of a backlog of treatment plant needs that accumulated during years of inaction and neglect. The several extensions and increases in the program to date have only been sufficient, however, to barely keep pace with present needs. It is fully apparent also that the reported backlog of $1.8 billion is less than realistic. Our surging population and urban growths are imposing needs that may well exceed the $20 billion price tag which the subcommittee's report now places on resolving the municipal waste problem.

It's time, indeed, that we match the public willingness to proceed as rapidly as possible by providing the more realistic impetus that is called for by the scope and dimension of the problem. In my own State of Connecticut the three largest communities-Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven-alone report present and immediate future construction needs of approximately $34.4 million. My State's allocation under the current $150 million authorization amounts to slightly over $2 million. Thus, if no increase in provided, the entire State's allocation for the next 5 years would be required to provide the Federal participation of $10.3 million for only these three larger cities. Passage of S. 2947. on the other hand, would quadruple Connecticut's allocation to over $8.3 million in 1968. Successive increases up to 1972 would provide approximately $20 million to help Connecticut meet its clean water needs. This is the realistic approach, Mr. Chairman. Nationwide we are faced with a $20 billion backlog of needs for pollution control. The $6 billion authorized in S. 2947 is designed to meet that need. Every Federal dollar will be matched with over three local and State dollars.

S. 2947 furnishes appropriate emphasis, as well, Mr. Chairman, to a problem that is closely allied to the municipal effort. Joint treatment of municipal and

industrial wastes represents a most economical and advantageous solution for the abatement of the most serious sources of pollution. Every encouragement should be provided for research into more practical and improved joint treatment methods. The provision which S. 2947 includes in this respect is a meaningful start for enlisting private sector expertise in this effort.

The administration's recommendations for strengthening and improving other equally important aspects of the Federal pollution control programs, as contained in S. 2987, are in large part complementary to and not inconsistent with S. 2947. The new river basins approach proposed in title I, Clean Rivers Restoration Act, has promise. The modest initiation of this program, financed at $50 million for the coming year, argues for the uninterrupted continuation of the already proven ongoing programs so that no unnecessary delays will ensue while the river basins program is being tested to demonstrate its effectiveness.

The administration's recommendation for accelerating and broadening the enforcement authority and procedures are most noteworthy. The enforcement program has served more clearly than any other function to define and confirm the Federal concern and responsibility in cleaning up our waters. It has been directed to and reckoned with every type of waste problem, domestic sewage, industrial discharges including radioactive and other toxic chemical wastes, and agricultural pesticides. It is significant that the enforcement actions anticipated the need for establishing and enforcing water quality standards. In the conduct of the enforcement procedures, agreement has been possible on standards established on an ad hoc basis that have fixed the goals to which city, industry, and individuals must conform to abate serious pollution. There is every reason for intensifying the enforcement activity. The development of standards are formulated and applied. Judicious application of the enforcement authority will continue to be required even after standards have been established in order that water quality may be restored without unconscionable delay.

There is one aspect of S. 2987, however, that disturbs me. That is the reference to so-called effluent charges on line 24, page 7 of the bill. Nowhere is this term defined in the bill but the distinct impression is given that polluters can somehow be "charged" for the privilege of pollution. I am against this in principle and as a practical matter.

Our guiding principle must be the prevention of pollution, not some financial arrangement whereby the polluter is penalized. As a practical matter, he would probably be entitled to a "legitimate" business deduction when he filed his tax return. We must not, in this way, legitimatize a practice we are trying to prevent. Instead, we should encourage industry to clean up, as S. 2947 does by permitting linkups with municipal waste works. We should also allow fast tax writeoffs to industry when they install proper treatment facilities, as provided in S. 1670 which I introduced last year. I am proud that six members of this subcommittee have joined me in cosponsoring this measure which I feel is far superior to the "effluent charge" concept.

Mr. Chairman, I am confident that your committee will give most careful heed to the proposals you have before you. Your resulting action, I am cer tain, will combine all that is best and most workable in the administration's recommendations with the provisions of S. 2947. The purposes and objectives of these two measures, as I have stated, are mutually complementary. In conclusion, I am proud to associate myself with your earnest and dedicated efforts toward reversing the Nation's pollution trend.

Senator RIBICOFF. Our job basically-and that of government at all levels and private industry-is to keep this earth habitable. To do so, in the water pollution program area alone, will require a massive effort. That is why I introduced my bill, S. 2471, in recognition of the great need for intensifying Federal support for municipal waste treatment works construction.

The thorough consideration that your Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution has given to this need is every where reflected in your significant and meaningful "Steps Toward Clean Water" report. Consequently I am most pleased to join in sponsoring S. 2947, whose provisions are designed to carry through the recommendations advanced in the subcommittee's report.