WSP01377

• File Number: 8027
• Description: Section D General Correspondence-Federal Agencies
• Date: 8/24/1954
• Author: ADEdmonston
• Title: United States Geological Survey 1948-1955-Protection of Quality of Waters of the Western States
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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pre-emptory orders for abatement of conditions hazardous to the
public health, Responsibility for the abatement, prevention
and control of "pollution", considered to be primarily an
economic problem, is vested in the State Water Pollution Control
Board and nine regional water pollution control boards. The
State Board is responsible for the formulation of a state-wide

policy for control of water pollution with due regard for the

authority of the regional boards, It is also required to take

action whenever a regional board fails to correct any existing

or threatened condition of pollution. Each regional board with

respect to its region, is responsible for obtaining coordinated
action in the abatement, prevention and control of water pollu-
tion and nuisanoe. This is usually accomplished, after consul-
tation with interested agencies and persons, by establishment
of requirements as to conditions to be maintained in the waters

receiving the waste or requirements as to the amount and tyoe
of material the waste may contain at the point of discharge,
It is significant that under the philosophy of pollution con-

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trol in California, balanced and economic use of the waters of
the State is possible. Permits are not required and the con-

trol agencies cannot specify the type of treatment that must be

installed nor the location of treatment plants or the points of
discharge. By law, requirements established by the water pollu-
tion control bo~rds are based upon the conditions that must be
maintained in the receiving waters to prevent unreasonable
detriment to the beneficial uses of the water.

The Division of Water Resources was directed in 1949

to initiate investigations of the conditions of ~ waters

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