Evening star., 1951-02-26
The Neglected Potomac

OF the 10 river systems studied by the Presi-
dents Water Resources Policy Commission, none
showed greater evidence of wasteful and dan
gerous neglect and, consequently, of the need
for future development than the Potomac River
and its tributaries. indispensable as is this
natural drainage system to 14,500 square
miles of valuable land including the seat of
national government, we who live within It's
bountiful basin have contaminated it with sew
age and industrial wastes, allowed soil from
farmlands to clog its channels, watched 1t de-
cline in value for commercial and recreational
fishing purposes, done little to control its floods
and virtually ignored its power potentialities.
The commissions comprehensive third report not
only outlines in distressing detail the problems
which have accrued from this neglect of the
river but presents short-range and long-range
programs for solution.
As was to be expected, the report devoted
considerable attention to the disgraceful pollu-
ton conditions which exist in nearly every part
of the 400-mile river. 1t commented favorably
on the fine work of the Interstate Commission
on the Potomac River Basin and of Federal,
State, county and municipal authorities in un-
dertaking a belated pollution abatement move
ment throughout the area. Logically, the COM
mission gave priority to pollution control in its
recommendations for immediate action to i'm
prove the river Other pressing needs" the
report said, are soil conservation measures re-
forestation, expansion and improvement OF
water supply facilities, especially in the Wash
ington Metropolitan Area; acute flood control
projects, harbor and navigational work and re-
Mobilization. of tidewater fisheries.
The approach to remedial action suggested
by the commission is an orderly and sensible
one. It would be a two-stage process. Stage I
would encompass completion of water supply,
sewage disposal flood control, harbor and other
projects already begun or authorized. The more
important of these are of direct concern to
Washington and its suburbs. It will take several
years and millions of dollars to complete this
construction under normal circumstances
much longer if war shortages should seriously
delay progress.
Stage II would involve a program for the
future full of promise-and OF controversy. The
second phase calls for thorough study look
ing toward development of the rivers full
resources" s"-incuding hydroelectric power posi-
bilities The commission favors ultimate con-
struction of dams and impounding reservoirs
from Just above Great Falls to Chain Bridge,
with power as only one of several benefits.
Flood control, water supply and recreation are
among other advantages seen. This plan is not
new by any means. The Army Engineers sur
veyed the area and drew up such program
several years ago, but ran into storm OF op-
position from agricultural, local governmental
and Federal park sources.
The reservoir plan is definitely long-view
objective, to the attainment of which widespread
public support will be necessary. Meanwhile
there is plenty of immediate river-improvement
work to do of less controversial and less
costly nature. The commissions report should
have stimulating effect on tagging communities
everywhere along the ailing river. The Poto-
mac first of all should be rid of its filth and
then developed under a feasible program that
will enable it better to serve the 100000 people
in its broad basin.