The City of Cambridge May Join 'War' on Air and Water Pollution

The City of Cambridge may soon join the war on air and water pollution which President Nixon announced in his State of the Union address.

Councillor Alfred E. Vellucci proposed at Monday's City Council meeting that Cambridge establish a Pollution Control Commission to co-operate with Federal and State authorities. The commission would have the power to establish regulations "in order to insure clean air, land and water within the City of Cambridge."

As proposed, the commission would consist of seven members- one city councillor, one school committeeman, and five professionals in the area of pollution control. In a speech to the council, Vellucci stressed the necessity of having experts on the commission.

"In my real sincere opinion this is a non-political resolution. . . . we will need the assistance of experts in this field. . . . I can tell smoke coming from the Roosevelt Towers and Somerville incinerator, but what do I know about it? All I can think of is to chop down the chimney or something."

Other city councillors expressed approval of the idea, but noted that perhaps controlling pollution was within the power of the state, not of the city.

The City is a creature of the state, and there are some areas in which the City cannot act," councillor Thomas H. D. Mahoney said. Currently, a state agency- the Metropolitan Air Control District- sets environmental standards for the area which includes Cambridge. "To date, they seem to have been jealous of their prerogatives." Mahoney said.

Vellucci agreed that the division of authority was unclear- "I really don't know what power we have"- and his proposal was sent to the City Solicitor for an opinion on its legality.

Like the three previous sessions this January, the council meeting did not produce a mayor for Cambridge. Because of the absence of Councillor Walter J. Sullivan, further balloting on the mayorality was deferred to next Monday's meeting.