In earlier testimony we have joined many others in stressing that the major fault in the construction grants program is the discrepancy between authorizations and appropriations. The lack of sufficient progress to effect more rapid control of pollution in recent years has been a wide concern. Many of the actions proposed are designed to increase this progress rate. Yet, I cannot express strongly enough that our inquiries indicate that in terms of treatment systems in place, we are barely holding a level rate.

In terms of constant dollars, data available to the Federation indicates that the value of "put in place" construction during the period 1965-1970 remained fairly constant and in fact was less in 1969 and 1970 than it was in 1965. The authorized sharp increase in funds made available for construction in 1970 is not yet reflected in these figures. The attached chart shows this data. In analyzing the data it is important to recognize that expenditures for sewers are included. Many of us tend to think in terms of the construction grants as the entire expenditure, but collecting sewers are not supported by these grants. As a result the data in the chart represents a large share, perhaps half or more, that is not a part of the construction grants. For example, if it is assumed that sewers represent one-half, then the 1970 expenditure related to construction grants would be about $750 million total. If grants represented 40 percent of this, then actual expenditures from the Treasury would be $300 million. Further, in terms of constant dollars, that $300 million would be equivalent to about $168 million.

These costs also do not directly reflect deterioration or lessened treatment resulting from equipment wear-out during this period. In short we have not been winning the pollution control battle, and there is every indication that we will not, unless ample monies are in fact spent to do the job.

The Federation appreciates the opportunity to present this statement. We will be pleased to amplify our remarks and to work with anyone from the Executive ⚫ or Legislative branches to achieve an effective national water pollution control program.

STATEMENT OF POLICY ON WATER POLLUTION CONTROL

IN THE UNITED STATES

Adopted by the Board of Control

of the Water Pollution Control Federation
October 5, 1969

This Statement of Policy was adopted originally in 1960. Since then, revisions have been made to keep abreast of expansion and changes in the water pollution control field.

Water pollution means water quality damage and consequent interference with beneficial use of a vital resource clean water.

Pollution of the Nation's inland surface waters, coastal waters, and groundwaters is a continuing threat to the national health, aesthetic enjoyment, safety, and economic welfare. National survival, in terms of future urban, industrial, and commercial growth and prosperity, dictates the protection of all water resources from any acts, such as the discharging of harmful substances which cause unreasonable impairment of water quality and adversely affect their highest level of usefulness. While considerable progress has been made in pollution control by municipalities and industries, many water resources are being degraded, impaired, and damaged by such discharges and acts,. and they will be further adversely affected by the degree and pattern of population growth, industrial processing, commercial expansion, chemical usages, agricultural developments, and other technological advancements.

The Water Pollution Control Federation is pledged to provide leadership and guidance to all constructive efforts that contribute to the control of water pollution. Its pledge is summarized by the following points.

The discharge of all wastewater into the waters of the Nation must be

1. controlled.

2.

The objectives of water pollution control must include preservation of high quality waters for protection of public health; for industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses; for fish and wildlife propagation; and for the maintenance of an aesthetically desirable environment.

3.

The responsibilities for the adequate treatment and control of wastewater must be assumed individually and jointly by industry and local, state, interstate, and federal governments.

4.

The administration of water pollution control must be firm and effective and should remain in the hands of state and interstate water pollution control agencies. Regulatory agencies must be supported by adequate budgets and fully staffed by competent engineers, scientists, and supporting personnel.

5.

Federal, state, and local laws and practices must reflect the changing needs in order to obtain and maintain the most economical and effective means for financing the construction, management, operation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment works.

6.

The public must be made fully aware of the consequences of water pollution and the costs of its control. Only in this way can the public

be prepared to sponsor and support sound water pollution control measures.

7.

Basic and applied research by competent personnel must be encouraged by broad efforts to develop new knowledge that will solve water pollution problems.

8.

Wastewater represents an increasing fraction of the Nation's total water resources and should be reclaimed for beneficial reuse. To this end the development and application of methods for wastewater reclamation must be accelerated.

9.

Mandatory certification or licensing of adequately trained and properly compensated personnel must be encouraged as a require

ment for maximum effectiveness of treatment facilities.