ELR Citation: ELR 20388
No(s). 72-1590 (7th Cir. May 11, 1973)

The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 forbids all discharges into navigable streams, whether or not navigability is impaired. The absence of a formalized permit procedure does not relieve polluters of the necessity of obtaining permission from the Secretary of the Army before any discharge. Compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1965 does not necessarily relieve a polluter of liability under the 1899 Act. For the decision of the lower court, here affirmed, see 1 ELR 20341 (July 1971).

Counsel for Plaintiff
William Lee, U.S. Attorney
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Counsel for Defendants
Jay A. Lipe
James T. Harrington
208 S. La Salle St.
Chicago, IL 60604