REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 45 
WATER POLLUTION. 
Following is the report of our Inspector of Water Pollution: 
‘““We are glad to be able to state, without fear of contradiction, that 
the waters of the state and the fish life therein have been more free from 
pollution during the past two years than at any time in the last two 
decades. 
“This condition is partially due to the fact that the war has caused a 
shortage of materials and chemicals needed in the manufacture of 
munitions. The natural result has been that much, if not all, of the 
waste heretofore allowed to pass into state waters, because it was the 
easiest and cheapest way to get rid of it, is now being saved and treated 
for the more valuable by-products. 
‘*In one ease, at least, that of the Mason Malt Whiskey and Distilling 
Company, situated near Sausalito, the products of the ‘waste’ will be of 
more value than the alcohol, which was the chief product prior to 
the war. 
‘‘The waste from the stills, about 80,000 gallons per day, formerly 
passed into Richardson Bay, whereas it is now treated by process, which 
recovers potash, acetone, nitrogen, protein and caramel. The purchase 
and installation of the necessary machinery was hastened, owing to the 
fact that a complaint was filed charging a violation of section 635 of 
the Penal Code. 
‘‘The court allowed the company time in which to install the neces- 
sary equipment and perfect the process, and when the pollution ceased, 
the complaint was dismissed. 
‘*Complaints were filed against the Milliff Refining Company of 
Rodeo, and the Shell Company of California of Martinez. Continu- 
ances were granted by the court upon the promises of the defendant 
corporations that immediate steps would be taken to remedy the evil. 
The work at the Shell Refinery will cost approximately $40,000. The 
apparatus is now being installed and will handle the waste for all time. 
‘*Several complaints have been filed against the Union Oil Company. 
One case went before a jury, and a verdict of ‘Not guilty’ was brought, 
notwithstanding the fact that expert testimony was introduced showing 
that 600 gallons of petroleum residue were discharged into San Pablo 
Bay per hour. Another case against this company is pending in Los 
Angeles. Cases are also pending against the Associated Oil Company 
and the Doheney Pacific Petroleum Company for pollution of Casmalia 
Creek, Santa Barbara County. 
‘*Convictions were secured in San Luis Obispo County against the 
California Oil Company and the Tiber Pacifie Company, and a fine of 
$200 was imposed in each ease. 
‘‘The Western States Gas and Electric Company has installed efficient 
lamp black filters in the Stockton and EKureka plants, and the Pacifie 
Gas and Electric Company in the Oroville, Colusa, Woodland and 
Fresno plants, and increased the area of the filters in the San Francisco 
and San Jose plants. 
‘‘The Southern Pacific Company has appropriated $18,000 for the 
construction of a concrete wall in the Sacramento River at Dunsmuir, 
for the purpose of collecting and retaining the petroleum which escapes 
