Evening star., 1948-04-20
Interstate Commission
To Continue Fight on
Potomac Pollution
By james Birehfield


HARRISBURG. Pa, April 10
The Interstate Commission on the
Potomac River Basin will continue
its efforts to clean up the Potomac
in the Washington area. and swim.
ming may be possible in the river
above Key Bridge when plans for
cleaner waters become effective.
This was brought out here today
in discussions Of the Washington
pollution problem. 1t was indicated
that the Maryland Suburban Sam
itary Commission and the commu-
mites Of Arlington, Alexandria and
Fairfax in Virginia are continuing
with plans aimed at raising the
quality of the river as 1t flows past
the District.
Harold A. Kemp. District sanitary
engineer and member Of the COM
mission representing the District,
reported he has been informed that
the Suburban Sanitary Commission
plans to enlarge its sewage facilities
in the Cabin John area.
1t is the senitary body's intent, he
said, eventually to collect all sewage
from an area that will extend to
Rockville. This plan, he added, prob
ably will not be undertaken for
number of years.
Plan to Use d. c. Facilities.
Plans now are going forward for
the discharge of sewage from ths
immediate Cabin John area into the
District system, thus eliminating
pollution so far as Maryland is con-
cerned in the river above Key
Bridge.
In regard to Virginia communities,
Edwin r. Cotton, commission en-
gineer secretary. indicated the newly
formed Northern Virginia Regional
Planning Commission probably will
make a study of cooperative waste
treatment facilities in nearby Vir-
ginia.
He pointed out that both Arling-
ton and Alexandria are faced with
the necessity of enlarging treatment
facilities and that Fairfax County
eventually must arrange treatment
for sewage that now runs into the
Potomac.
Reporting for the first time today,
the commissions new land commit.
tee headed by DR.. Daniel L. Seek
niger, assistant District health ON
Ger, suggested that a pilot pro-
gram" be set up for the Monocracy
River to rid that stream OF eroded
silt.
Up to Date Survey Suggested.
The committee also suggested that
the House Public Works Committee
be asked to request the Agriculture
Department to bring up to date Its
l946 Potomac Basin survey. This,
it was pointed out. would provide
the committee with a picture Of
land conditions in the basin.
The committee, consisting of agri-
culture specialists from Maryland.
Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsyl-
vania and the Federal Government,
would work through State agencies.
attempting to coordinate the work
Of various groups toward emphasiz-
ing better agriculture practices
where they are most needed.
In selecting the Monocacy River,
committee members pointed out
that this stream Is loaded with silt
and presents an ideal starting point
for the committees work. The
committee also suggested that a
study be made Of the effects Of silt
pollution on all phases of river
economy, including the possible in
jury to natural resources, such as
oyster beds and fish spawning areas.
Commenting today on an address
by Gov. Duff Of Pennsylvania, OPEN
ing the two-day conference here.
commission members termed the
address positive approach to poll
luton abatement"