VIII.-CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

The following is a summary of the conclusions the commission has arrived at, and of the recommendations it submits to the two Governments:

1. The Great Lakes beyond their shore waters and their polluted areas at the mouths of the rivers which flow into them are, except so far as they are affected by vessel pollution, in a state of almost absolute purity. With the exception of these pure areas, the entire stretch of boundary waters, including Rainy River, St. Marys River, St. Clair River, Detroit River, Niagara River, St. Lawrence River from Lake Ontario to Cornwall, and the St. John River from Grand Falls to Edmundston, New Brunswick, is polluted to an extent which renders the water in its unpurified state unfit for drinking purposes. This pollution has its origin chiefly in the sewage and storm flows from the riparian cities and towns and the sewage from vessels. It is very intense along the shores of the Detroit and Niagara Rivers and in the contaminated areas in the Lakes. Throughout the whole length of the boundary waters where sewage is discharged from the sewerage works of cities and towns the pollution is most concentrated in the shore waters on the side of the boundary on which it originates. These shore waters, besides being in places unsightly, malodorous, and absolutely unfit for domestic purposes, are a source of serious danger to summer residents, bathers, and others who frequent the localities. So foul are they in many places that municipal ordinances have been passed prohibiting bathing in them.

2. In the Detroit and Niagara Rivers conditions exist which imperil the health and welfare of the citizens of both countries in direct contravention of the treaty. This is true, though in a less marked degree, of the Rainy and St. John Rivers.

3. In the St. Marys, St. Clair, and St. Lawrence Rivers pollution exists which is in substantial contravention of the spirit of the treaty, and unless these conditions are improved, and the rivers placed under the control of competent authority, the resulting injury will be much more pronounced as population increases.

4. Vessel pollution in certain parts of boundary waters exists to an extent which causes substantial injury to health and property. It is derived from two sources, sewage waste from vessels and water ballast" which is taken in by lake vessels at their ports of departure and emptied into these waters at or near their ports of destination. Vessel pollution is distinctly traceable in boundary waters in lanes and channels which vessels traverse in navigating

them, their waters being thereby rendered unfit for drinking purposes.

5. In some cases sawmill and other mill wastes, garbage, offal, carcases, and other refuse matters are discharged into boundary waters. This practice results generally in a contravention of the treaty.

6. It is feasible and practicable, without imposing an unreasonable burden upon the offending communities, to prevent or remedy pollution, both in the case of boundary waters and waters crossing the boundary.

(a) In the case of city sewage, this can best be accomplished by the installation of suitable collecting and treatment works, the latter having special reference to the removal of bacteria and matters in suspension.

(b) In the case of vessel sewage, a feasible and inexpensive remedy lies in the employment of recognized methods of disinfection before it is discharged. In the case of water ballast suitable rules and regulations should be prescribed with a view of protecting the water intakes.

(c) The discharge of garbage and sawmill waste into boundary waters should be prohibited, and industrial and other wastes, which are causing appreciable injury, should be discharged subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed.

7. In order to remedy and prevent the pollution of boundary waters and to render them sanitary and suitable for domestic purposes and other uses, and to secure adequate protection and development of all interests involved on both sides of the boundary, and to fulfill the obligations undertaken in Article IV of the treaty, it is advisable to confer upon the International Joint Commission ample jurisdiction to regulate and prohibit this pollution of boundary waters and waters crossing the boundary.

Hereto annexed is a schedule showing the reports made to and by the commission, and of the minutes of its sittings, which have already been printed, or which the commission contemplates having printed. Dated at Atlantic City, N. J., this 12th day of August, A. D. 1918.

CHARLES A. MAGRATH.
OBADIAH GARDNER.
HENRY A. POWELL.

JAMES A. TAWNEY.

P. B. MIGNAULT.
R. B. GLENN.

SCHEDULE.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION RELATIVE TO THE POLLUTION OF BOUNDARY WATERS.

1. Preliminary report of the committee having general supervision of the investigation relating to the pollution of boundary waters, with documents on file in the United States War Department relating to the petitions of the Erie & Ontario Sanitary Canal Co. for permission to divert 6,000 second-feet from Lake Erie for the purpose of remedying the existing pollution of Niagara River. Washington, 1913.

2. Progress report of the International Joint Commission on the reference by the United States and Canada in re the pollution of boundary waters, whether or not such pollution extends across the boundary in contravention of the treaty of January 11, 1909, and, if so, in what manner or by what means is it possible to prevent the same, including report of the sanitary experts. Washington, 1914.

3. Pollution of boundary waters. Conference with sanitary engineers at New York City, May 26 and 27, 1914. Washington, 1914.

4. Résumé of testimony of consulting sanitary engineers in the matter of the pollution of boundary waters. Conference at New York City, May 26-27, 1914. Washington, 1914.

5. Hearings of the International Joint Commission in re remedies for the pollution of boundary waters between the United States and Canada, held at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Buffalo, N. Y., Detroit, Mich., Windsor, Ontario, Port Huron, Mich., and Sarnia, Ontario, September 25 to October 2, inclusive; Detroit, Mich., November 10 and 11; and Washington, D. C., December 14 and 16, 1914. Washington, 1914.

6. Hearings of the International Joint Commission in re remedies for the pollution of boundary waters between the United States and Canada, being public hearings held at Buffalo, N. Y., and Detroit, Mich., June 21-27, 1916, and Ogdensburg, N. Y., August 25, 1916. Washington, 1917.

7. Report of the consulting sanitary engineer upon remedial measures. March 8, 1916. Washington, 1918.

8. Final report of the International Joint Commission in the matter of the reference by the United States and the Dominion of Canada relative to the pollution of boundary waters. Washington, 1918.

53

INDEX.