178 

 DONALD J. BENSON 

 practiced in the Pacific Northwest and several are nationally 

 known for vjork in their fields. 



Upon reviewing the information presented 

 in the FWPCA report and the results of research conducted 

 by other workers, we arrive ft conclusions very different 

 about the effects of pulp mill waste discharges in Puget 

 Sound froio those of the Federal study group. 



Although many of the basic field data presented 

 In the report are useful, questionable laboratory experi- 

 ments and inadequate analyses of thj data lead to some 

 serious errors in conclusions. A number of interesting 

 hypotheses are developed in the Federal report, but th( se 

 are not followed up with adequate facLS upon vvhich to 

 base conclusions. In oi.;r testimony today we will discuss 

 the methodology of investigation, th<^ interpretation of 

 the data and suggest explanations for the con.' licis be- 

 tween the reported conclusiotis and obs> ^'\\?blf- fit-Id 

 conditions . 



VJe believe ?h?t this testimony will show 

 that the present levels of spent suli^ite liquor in outer- 

 bays and harbors are not harmful to any oth(;t: legitimate 

 water uses and th3t the use of the Pe.^r 1-Benson Index near 

 the levels of minjanmi detectaliil ity is not a proper and 

 scientifically valid use of the test. 



