10 



"The Pacific Northwest is at present in an enviable position 

 as regards its natural resources and potential development 

 when compared with many other areas of this country. This 

 is especially true of natural waters which are admittedly 

 one of the area's greatest assets. Water is so definitely 

 tied in with the health, welfare, and pleasure of citizens, 

 and with the whole economic structure of the area as to 

 make high water quality objectives not only desirable, but 

 imperative. 



"A similar position was held by many areas of this country 

 during the past years. The development of these areas with- 

 out regard to the implications of pollution has resulted in 

 many cases in the loss of the waterways and streams for any 

 use except the disposal of sewage and wastes. The water 

 essential to growth and to effective living has been dis- 

 sipated by carelessness and lack of foresight. Water is a 

 factor which can well limit the development of all areas of 

 the country, and, therefore, water pollution control in the 

 Pacific Northwest becomes a conservation and prevention pro- 

 gram. Certainly we in the Pacific Northwest should profit 

 by the mistakes of others and establish high objectives with 

 judgment and especially with a view to future development." 



The States of Montana and Idaho have used the Pacific Northwest Council's 

 objectives in developing their own water quality requirements. The States 

 of Oregon and Washington also have aimed their water quality programs at 

 the goal outlined in the above statement. 



Water quality standards have been adopted by the Washington Pollution Con- 

 trol Commission and are to be found in numbered section .04.210 of the 

 Standards and Rules and Regulations of the State of Washington. Copies 

 of these standards are available, on request, to all interested persons. 

 These standards are considered to be the best approach to water pollution 

 control in the State of Washington, and the use of such standards is in 

 keeping with widespread practice in the United States. The State of Wash- 

 ington and the U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare agree on 

 the merits of the present method of using standards and the present pro- 

 gram of the Washington Pollution Control Commission. 



The Effect of Adopting Other Types 

 of Water Quality Standards 



The suggestion has been made by various pulp and paper industry represent- 

 atives that specific numerical values be established for each water quality 

 goal to be sought by the State of Washington's Pollution Control Commis- 

 sion. The effect of establishing such specific requirements would be 

 to permit large quantities of pollutants to be added to the waters of the 

 State of Washington. Such a program, of allowing the water resources of 

 the State to be used to dilute and disperse pollution without requiring 

 adequate treatment or otherwise without being controlled by permits issued 



