422m 



10 



As a citizens group we agree that success can be achieved in surmounting 

 these problems. We offer our thanks to the conference for its concerns in persu- 

 ing solutions and offer our support. 



Attempts by local groups to investigate problems like these and to seek solu- 

 tions have consistently been met with official roadblocks. In our opinion, if 

 problems like these are left to local and state authorities for solution, the 

 status is not likely to change. 



We are not prepared to say that the Puget Sound Task Force is the best agency 

 to conduct needed investigations and studies, but we are pleased to note that in 

 the guidelines set forth in Senate Document 97, 87th Congress (Ref. 15) the com- 

 mission given to the Task Force covers the areas of primary concern to us as resi- 

 dents of the Lake Whatcom watershed. The Task Force perhaps would be in the best 

 position to conduct investigations and carry out needed studies in depth since 

 their study program is already in progress. 



We note further that the Task Force guidelines state: 



"Well being of all of the people shall be the overriding determi- 

 nant in considering the best use of water and related land re- 

 sources. Hardship and basic needs of particular groups within the 

 general public shall be of concern but care shall be taken to avoid 

 resource use and development for the benefit of the few or the dis- 

 advantage of many. In particular, policy requirements and guides 

 established by the Congress and aimed at assuring that the use of 

 natural resources, safeguard the interests of all our people shall 

 be observed." 



Our experience has been that official concerns for Lake Whatcom do not extend 

 South of Strawberry Point (beyond the area of city water intake). Agricultural, 

 mining and forest products operations take place principally south of Strawberry 

 Point. In discussions of water quality in Whatcom County, these potential contribu- 

 tions to pollution are rarely if ever mentioned. 



We feel that the apathy and reluctance to energetically persue corrective meas- 

 ures and adopt sensible plans can best be overcome through objective analysis by 

 external groups. The means, resources and authority of federal agencies, we believe, 

 are needed to investigate these problems - especially those involving heavy invest- 

 ment of public funds. 



In conclusion, we express our sincere thanks to the conference for the oppor- 

 tunity to express our views. 



