44 Conservation Department 



Paper Mill Wastes. — The wastes from paper mills appear 

 to be of a toxic nature and wherever they Avere found to enter 

 tlie streams all fresh water org-anisms were absent. The paper 

 mill at Dansville pollutes Mill creek badly. Just above the en- 

 trance of the waste from the paper mill, Mill creek was found 

 to be in ideal condition for fish food. Fresh water organisms 

 wei-e abundant and trout were ])resent. Below the entrance of 

 waste the stream contained no fresh Avater orti'anisms and no fish 

 were observed. The effect of this pollution was noticeable down 

 stream to the entrance of Mill creek into Canaserao-a creek and 

 continuinji* therein the de])letion of the food orj^anisms for a dis- 

 tance of at least -S miles. A])proximately 11 miles of streams 

 were beino- polluted by this type of Avastes. 



Miscellaneous Wastes. — There occur in the Genesee river 

 various kinds of factories Avhose Avashes are ])ermitted to enter 

 the river or its tributaries. Esjiecially pre\^alent are these fac- 

 tories in the city of Rochester. The Genesee riA^er at and beloAv 

 Rochester is being badly polluted, and at x)resent it is difficult to 

 state just AA^hich one of the commercial plants is causing the 

 greatest damage. 



Summary. — In all a total of nearly 125 miles of streams Avere 

 noticeably affected by polluting substances. A more extended 

 study would probably reveal an even greater mileage. Some of 

 the most typical trout streams within the Genesee valley have 

 become barren, unsightly streams, due to the introduction of Avaste 

 products. The folloAving tabulation forms a helpful guide: 



