The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1952-11-07
Water Is Montana's Most
Significant Resource
Need for Pollution Control Legislation Pointed Up by
State Board of Health

wastes is underway, but is not yet
complete. A conservative estimate, of
industrial and agricultural wastes,
discharged into Montana streams,
indicates that it is equivalent to the
raw sewage discharge of a community
having population exceeding 1,000,-
900.
.EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
The streams and rivers in Montana
have the capacity for rapid recovery
but this condition cannot be expected
to continue indefinitely. AS communi-
ties expand and new industries are
developed, the already heavy pollu-
ton load will be increased to the point
where stream recovery will not be
satisfactory. The protection of the
states streams should be the respon-
sibility of every Montana citizen.
The State Board of Health has
been designated by the Montana leg
islature as the stream pollution au-
thority in the state. However, the
laws under which the Board has au-
thority for pollution abatement are
inadequate when all water uses are
considered. Present laws permit
abatement action to be taken only
when the pollution effects the health
of the people. The laws do not pro-
tect other legitimate water uses such
as fish and wildlife, agriculture, rec
reation and industrial uses.
LONG-RANGE PROGRAM
AS part of long-range program
toward the prevention, abatement and
control of pollution, the Board of
Health has adopted sewage disposal
policy requiring that a minimum of
primary treatment be given all wastes
before discharge into water-courses
within the state. This policy was
adopted by the Board of Health in
May of this year and strengthens the
Boards pollution policy.
Considerable work has been done
in studying pollution in the Yellow
stone River, Big Muddy Greek and
Whitefish Creek. Sanitary surveys
of these streams have been accomp-
lished with the aid of the U. S. Pub
lie Health Service and have pro-
duced much valuable pollution data.
EMULATION NEEDED
1t is apparent that the conserva-
ion and development of Montana
waters require careful evaluation of
pollution and pollution abatement
The construction of sewage treat
nent facilities does not appeal to
taxpayers who are not entirely con-
yinced of the need. The cost of such
projects poses many difficult financ-
ng problems especially for the small
communities and communities that
lave reached their statutory borrow
ng limits.
PROBLEM TO INCREASE
AS serious as it now is, the prob
EN- related to stream pollution will
Increase as Montana's population and
Industries grow. The pollution of our
streams does not necessarily have to
Increase as the state'e population
rows, If proper precautions are taken
before the value of many of our
treams is destroyed by poliuting ma
erials. Health considerations must
all others in reducing pol
ution, but the opportunity for other
egltlmate water uses should also
Emulate the construction of treat
nent facilities. With proper fore
light in planning, Montana's citizens
an prevent further pollution of their
waters and still enjoy economic and
ocial benefits derived from increased
population and industrialization. =
treasure STATE HEALTH.