Whereas, the growth of population and the development of the territory of the New England states has resulted in serious pollution of certain interstate streams, ponds and lakes, and of tidal waters ebbing and flowing past the boundaries of two or more states; and

Whereas, such pollution constitutes a menace to the health, welfare and economic prosperity of the people living in such area; and

Whereas, the abatement of existing pollution and the control of future pollution in the interstate waters of the New England area are of prime importance to the people and can best be accomplished through the cooperation of the New England states in the establishment of an interstate agency to work with the states in the field of pollution abatement;

Now, therefore, The states of Connecticut and Rhode Island and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont when authorized and do join herein) are now bound and do agree as follows: