172 ILLINOIS STATE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 



ing a larg-e part of the time, the Vermillion river below 

 Streator consists only of sewage, industrial waste and 

 mine water." We understand that Pontiac has built a 

 disposal plant and that Streator is considering one. 



Peoria is on the Illinois river, and its sewage and waste 

 go into it. We have the authority of a fish and game 

 official, familiar with the condition of the river there, 

 that when the water is low the stream is in a foul condi- 

 tion and that the fish are liable to be affected injuriously. 



It seems unnecessary to multiply instances, for this is 

 enough to indicate the extent to which the Illinois river 

 system is being used for sewage purposes. Practically 

 all the large streams that flow into it receive more or less 

 sewage. Although a state wide, detailed survey has not 

 been made there is reason to believe smaller municipali- 

 ties also are polluting the tributaries, so that from all 

 parts of the river basin filth and industrial waste are 

 being conveyed to the main streams and thence to the 

 river itself. In its 1921 report the Commission says: 

 "During the last year complaints have been received 

 from numerous farm organizations, where streams have 

 been so polluted by industrial waste or city sewage as to 

 prevent their natural and lawful use for agricultural or 

 other legitimate purposes." 



Specific mention is made of conditions at Joliet, Ot- 

 tawa, Seneca, Morris and Elgin. It is* stated that the 

 Desplaines and Illinois rivers are badly polluted and 

 for years have been unfit for bathing or domestic uses, 

 or for stock, and the fish industry has been completely 

 destroyed as far down as Peoria. The stench at times 

 in the summer is offensive and also a damage to naviga- 

 tion. Several States have laws regarding sewage treat- 

 ment to avoid stream pollution. Such a law would be a 

 progressive step in Illinois of a great public benefit." 



The Mississippi river we have heard referred to as 

 an open sewer. One will not allude to what other States 

 are doing to it. It is enough to speak of the offenses 

 against it in our own commonwealth. The Father of 

 Waters must forsooth be forced to hold his nose when a 

 whiff comes his way. 



