THis past summer I have had 3 friends get treated for serious infections relating to the Black RIver.  I know that the EPA gives permits for dumping regulated amounts of untreated water directly into waterways, whether it be groundwater, lakes, streams or rivers.  THese permits are known as SPDES or NPDES permits.  Its a loophole in the Clean Air & Water Act.  ANytime you pass a discharge point look for a sign and see if it has one of these permits.  Each permit is case sensitive so particulates in the dumping could be chemicals or raw sewage.  If anyone is interested I could get info on where to send letters about this.  Also I would like to know about any infections or illnessed relating to other rivers.
thanks.