In Pennsylvania until 1972 there was a pristine stream, Big Spring, that had as its source the largest natural limestone spring in the state. Located about 40 miles west of Harrisburg, near the town of Newville, it was noted for its population of wild brook trout, Savelinus fontinalis, a species that is very sensitive to degredation of water quality.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in its wisdom decided to make use of that water to supply a trout hatchery and rearing facility, with waste water to be discharged into the stream. There was an outcry, led by such people as the sportsman, author, and naturalist Charles Fox, but the hatchery was built.

The water quality in the stream immediately suffered. The native trout strain (probably) became extinct, and the fish were replaced by artificially-raised fish from the hatchery. The stream started to look dirty. It was listed as a source of pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Finally the courts told the PFBC to stop the pollution or close the hatchery. Unable to do the former, they did the latter.

Throughout most of the life of the hatchery, the PFBC insisted that it was following the law, observing the requirements of their permits, and being good stewards.

The stream is now healing itself, and in a generation it might be fully recovered, if the PFBC doesn't meddle with it. The original strain of the brook trout is almost certainly lost forever.

It seems that often people in government with power take pride in controlling the behavior of others but ignore the regulations when their own interests are affected.

Bill