The Administration of Stream
Pollution Prevention in
Some States
HAROLD   E.   BABBITT
Professor of Sanitary Engineering
University of Illinois
Urbana, Illinois
This is a reporter's report of his conclusions after a visit to stream
pollution control authorities in 26 different states. No new principles
of administration are presented nor advocated. It is a factual report of
what was observed, together with a few comments and here and there
some emphasis to point out trends in forms of administration. To bring
out these trends there are lengthy abstracts and quotations from state
laws typifying various forms of administrative practice. In obtaining the
desired information the best source was found to be the Chief Sanitary
Engineer of the State Department of Public Health, whether or not
he was the state official made responsible, by law, for the prevention of
stream pollution. The information contained herein might be obtained
through correspondence and questionnaire. It is believed, however, that
the personal interview is more effective and thorough, and it is known
to be more pleasant.
The 26 states visited extend from Illinois to Maine, down the
Atlantic Coast to Florida, westward along the Gulf and the Mexican
border, including the states bordering Texas, to California and Nevada.
The trip was taken to accomplish an objective of a six-months sabbatical
leave from the University of Illinois.
Generalizations concerning conditions in various states and in various
sections of the country might be attempted but it would be dangerous
to state that conditions are better or poorer in any state or region than in
any other state or region. It is safe to say that the administration of
stream pollution prevention throughout the states visited, and by in¬
ference throughout the country, is in a condition of flux. Significant
changes in the laws have been made within the past five years in some of
the more populous and industrialized states. Some states are in the throes
of or are contemplating changes in their laws or the promulgation of new
laws in the near future.   Most states are functioning under either old
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