March 20, 1969
Page 7101
ATTACK ON INSECTICIDES AND PESTICIDES IN OUR WATER
HON. HUGH SCOTT OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE SENATE CF THE UNITED STATES Thursday, March 20, 1969
Mr. SCOTT. Mr. President. I have been concerned for some time over the potential danger that the use of insecticides and pesticides may have on the waters of our country.
A recent newspaper article from western Michigan tells the story of 145 cases of coho salmon being impounded by health authorities because traces of an insecticide were found in the salmon.
That incident, plus the action of the Pennsylvania State Senate in passing a bill to ban the use of DDT, and my own concern in this area, caused me to write a letter to the chairman of the Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution, the Senator from Maine (Mr. MUSKIE), asking that the subcommittee undertake a study to determine the effects of insecticides and pesticides as a potentially dangerous source of pollution.
I am gratified that in a letter to me dated March 10 Senator MUSKIE indicated that he has directed a technical staff member to undertake such a study and that, on the basis of that study, hearings will be heard.
Senator MUSKIE also indicates his concern "over the potential danger to the alteration of our water environment from the persistent chemicals used in pesticides and insecticides."
Mr. President, I commend the Senator from Maine for his leadership in the field of water pollution and express my appreciation for his favorable response to my suggestion that studies be undertaken and hearings held on this potentially dangerous problem.