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Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Bureau of Archives and History
Pennsylvania State Archives
MG-472
WALTER LYON PAPERS
Series Descriptions
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Miscellaneous reports, most produced by the International Joint Commission, are contained in this series. The types of reports range from the very general, such as the IJC Activities Reports, Annual Reports and Biennial Reports on Great Lakes Water Quality, to the specific, such as “Fate of Chemicals in Municipal Sewage Treatment Facilities - An Overview.”Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Files,
1972-1995.
(1 box and 1 folder)
{series #472m.2} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement was initially signed in 1972, with
amendments and revisions occurring in later years. The Agreement, made between
the United States and Canada, called for cooperation between the two nations
to reduce the level of toxins and other pollutants that were being poured
into the Great Lakes, and thus seriously compromising their water quality.
Copies of the agreements, as well as related correspondence, newsclippings
and reports, are included.
Monitoring Files,
1979-1993.
(12 folders)
{series #472m.3} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Various reports, correspondence and articles concerning the monitoring of
Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Files such as “Final
Report of the Ecosystem Objectives Committee” and “Toward a Transboundary
Monitoring Network, A Continuing Binational Exploration,” are included.
Dredging/In-Situ Contaminants Files,
1983-1988.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.4} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 4 contains materials that relate to dredging and in-situ sediment contaminants
in the Great Lakes region. Reports, such as “Ecological Effects of In-Situ
Sediment Contaminants” and “Evaluation of Dredged Material Disposal
Options for Two Great Lakes Harbours using the Water Quality Board Dredging
Subcommittee Guidelines,” are included along with various articles and
correspondence.
Niagara River Contamination Files,
1978-1990.
(1 box)
{series #472m.5} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
The contamination of the Niagara River, and its impact on the Great Lakes,
is discussed in this series. The Niagara is the major waterway connecting
Lakes Ontario and Erie, and accounts for 83% of the water which flows into
Lake Ontario. For these reasons, it is a vital link in the Great Lakes system,
and is particularly important to the water quality of Lake Ontario. Various
reports, articles and correspondence document the river's degradation and
the proposals which were put forward in the attempt to clean it up.
Great Lakes Science Advisory Board Minutes and Agendas,
1989-1995.
(1 box)
{series #472m.6} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by subject.
The Great Lakes Science Advisory Board (SAB) was established under the Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement to provide scientific advice to the International
Joint Commission and the Great Lakes Water Quality Board, and is responsible
for developing recommendations on all matters related to research and the
development of scientific knowledge pertinent to Great Lakes water quality.
Such a broad mandate requires a multi-disciplinary approach and accordingly,
members are appointed from each country by the IJC with expertise in the natural,
physical and social sciences.” Series 6 contains the board minutes
and agendas of the SAB, dating from 1989 through 1995.
Great Lakes Science Advisory Board Reports and General
Files,
1959-1994.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.7} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Reports and various other files relative to the Great Lakes Science Advisory
Board are contained in this series. Included are annual reports detailing
Board activities, as well as reports produced by the Board on a number of
subjects. Work plans, correspondence and an organizational chart from 1988-1989
are also present.
Great Lakes Water Quality Board Reports and Meeting
Materials,
1970-1993.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.8} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
The Great Lakes Water Quality Board, in conjunction with the Science
Advisory Board, is the principal advisor to the International Joint Commission
on issues of water quality, pursuant to the 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement. Annual reports, meeting agendas, meeting notices, various reports,
and other miscellaneous files relevant to the Water Quality Board are included
in this series.
Land Use Reports,
1974-1993.
(1 box)
{series #472m.9} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Seven reports, all in one way or another discussing the impact of land use
on the water quality of the Great Lakes, are included in Series 9.
Toxic Substance Files,
1980-1995.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.10} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 10 consists of various reports, articles and correspondence pertaining
to toxic substances in the Great Lakes. Management policy statements, reports
discussing the amount of toxics present in the Lakes, plans to reduce them
and other toxics-related materials are present.
Political and Social Files,
1973-1994.
(1 box)
{series #472m.11} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 11 contains articles, correspondence and a number of reports concerning
the political and societal ramifications of the Great Lakes, specifically
issues related to their clean-up. Titles such as “Environmental Assessment
and Aboriginal Claims: Implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement,”
“Managing the Great Lakes Basin as a Home,” “Pollution Abatement:
Some Observations on Political and Legal Realities” and “The Debate
is Over! It is Time to Act! Citizen's Presentation to the IJC 1993 Biennial
Meeting,” are included.
Aquatic Ecosystem and Phosphate Materials,
1972-1992.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.12} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Two topics, the aquatic ecosystem of the Great Lakes and the role of phosphates
as pollutants in the Lakes and other bodies of water, are discussed in this
series. A number of reports from the Aquatic Ecosystems Objectives Committee
are present, as well as a paper entitled “Phosphorus Management for the
Great Lakes, Final Report of the Phosphorus Management Strategies Task Force.”
Health and Atmospheric/Climatic Issue Files,
1980-1992.
(10 folders)
{series #472m.13} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Reports dealing with air pollution and other climatic subjects are contained
in this series. The bulk of the materials were created by the Great Lakes
Science Advisory Board, a subunit of the Great Lakes Water Quality
Board.
Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) Records,
1982-1983.
(3 folders)
{series #472m.14} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
The Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) serves as a non-partisan association
of the Governors of the eight Northeastern states, which include Connecticut,
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and
Vermont. CONEG encourages intergovernmental cooperation in the Northeast on
issues relating to the economic, environmental and social well-being of the
Northeast states. Included in Series 14 are CONEG Water Subcommittee meeting
minutes, agendas, reports and correspondence, as well as correspondence relative
to Jared L. Cohen.
Society for Risk Analysis File,
1988.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.15} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
One folder pertaining to the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA), a multidisciplinary,
interdisciplinary, scholarly, international society that provides an open
forum for all those who are interested in risk analysis, is contained in this
series.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Pesticide
Board Files,
1987-1997.
(1 box)
{series #472m.16} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, newsclippings and reports relative to pest management and pesticide safety comprise Series 16. Titles include “Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety,” “School Issues related to Pesticides” and “The Changing Face of Integrated Pest Management.”
Department of Environmental Resources (DER)/Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) Files,
1970-2000.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.17} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Files pertaining to the Department of Environmental Resources (DER) and the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which was created when the DER
was split into the DEP and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
in 1995, are discussed in this series. Lyon worked for the DEP for twelve
years, first as Director of the Bureau of Water Quality Management from 1971-1979,
then as Deputy Secretary for Planning from 1979-1983. The series contains
general files from both agencies, annual reports, permit guides, various publications
and newsclippings.
Bureau of Water Quality Management (BWQM) Files,
1902-2000.
(3 boxes and 4 folders)
{series #472m.18} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
As stated in the previous series description, Walter Lyon served as the Pennsylvania
DER's Director of the Bureau of Water Quality Management from 1971-1979. Series
18 includes correspondence, newsletters, publications, reports and numerous
other types of files concerning the Bureau and Lyon's time with it. A history
file of the Bureau, which includes a few photocopies of materials dating from
1902, is present.
Benjamin Franklin Fund File,
1974-1990.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.19} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
In his will of 1790, Benjamin Franklin bequeathed to the cities of Boston
and Philadelphia £1,000 each for the establishment of a fund that would
gather interest over a period of 200 years. After that time, the money would
be split between the city and the commonwealth to be used as each saw fit.
By 1990, the Fund had accumulated to over $500,000. This file includes correspondence,
newsclippings and other general files related to the Fund's history, and also
Lyon's proposal that the state's portion be used to establish a “Benjamin
Franklin Center for the History of Pennsylvania's Natural Resources.”
Friday Group File,
1996-1997.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.20} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
The Friday Group was established by the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission as a working group charged with examining issues related to the water industry. Composed of government and industry representatives, it worked to develop strategies and recommendations regarding water issues. Meeting reports, surveys and correspondence are included.
Karl Mason Fund File,
1987-2002.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.21} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Files relative to the Karl M. Mason Memorial Fund and the Mason Award. The award, given each year to an individual or group from Pennsylvania who “made a unique and creative contribution to the field of environmental management in Pennsylvania,” was initiated in 1971, with Thomas J. Foerster receiving the bronze medallion that was presented to the winner. Correspondence, reports and other related items are included.
Advisory Health Board Files,
1997-2002.
(2 folders)
{series #472m.22} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Reports, correspondence, agendas, and other materials relative to the Advisory Health Board of the Pennsylvania Department of Health are contained in Series 22. Lyon was appointed a member of the board in 1997 and as of that year, it consisted of thirteen members: five of which were physicians, one a dentist, one a pharmacist, one a registered nurse, and one engineer experienced in sanitary engineering. The Board was charged with advising the Department of Health on a number of different topics, including prevention of disease, making and revising a communicable disease list, regulations to carry out the provisions of the Pennsylvania Cancer Law, etc.
Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA)
Correspondence,
1996.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.23} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Series 23 includes correspondence relative to an appointment Lyon received to sit on the Government Affairs Committee of the PWEA.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry (PCBI)
Files,
1994, 1995.
(3 folders)
{series #472m.24} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence and reports relative to the Water Advisory Council/Water-Great
Lakes Initiative Work Group and the Programs Process Improvement Task Force
of the PCBI comprise this series.
Harrisburg Water-Related Materials,
1902, 1978-1998.
(1 box)
{series #472m.25} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Reports, newsclipppings and correspondence relative to the water supply of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and a proposed hydro-electric plant on the Susquehanna
River at the city are included in Series 25.
Miscellaneous Files,
1959-1997.
(1 box)
{series #472m.26} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
This series contains miscellaneous materials, pertaining in some way to Pennsylvania, water issues, or the environment.
Air Pollution Files,
1973-2002.
(1 box)
{series #472m.27} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Correspondence, reports and newsclippings which relate to air pollution in
the United States and Canada are present in this series.
Acid Rain and Biology Files,
1958-1996.
(10 folders)
{series #472m.28} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Printed materials and some correspondence pertaining to acid rain, as well
as the biological effects of acid rain and other types of pollution on the
environment are discussed in Series 28.
Environmental Engineering Files,
1924-1998.
(1 box)
{series #472m.35} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
This series contains a number of important documents relative to the sanitary
engineering profession, as well as the education of its prospective members.
A number of papers and reports, which date from the early 1950s (during which
time Lyon served as Assistant Chief, Planning and Development Branch, Division
of Engineering Resources, U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C.),
detail the aforementioned topics. Highlights include an interesting report
titled “Water Closets - Past, Present & Future,” which documents
the story of the water closet, and a report from 1924 entitled “Sanitary
Engineering Courses of Engineering Colleges in the United States.”
Science and Technology Files,
1950-1996.
(1 box)
{series #472m.59} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
{series #472m.60} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 60 contains numerous publications and other types of materials which
relate to various swimming-related topics. Water quality in swimming pools,
swimming pool construction standards (both public and private), safety codes
and course guides for swimming pool operation and construction are some of
the topics covered.
Economics, Demography and Geography Materials,
1938-1996.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.88} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Reports, papers, articles, newsclippings and various other materials relative
to the disciplines of economics, demography and geography are housed in Series
88. Most of the documents pertain to water issues and the environment, although
a few discuss broader societal issues. A number of the papers range back into
the 1950s, with one report, entitled “Report on Economic Conditions of
the South,” dating from 1938.
Biographies,
1984-1999.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.89} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
This series contains biographies of individuals, the bulk of which concern
persons in the environmental engineering field, water quality management,
or various other types of related fields. The files include resumes or biographical
articles, with most dating from the 1990s, a few ranging back into the 1980s.
Pennsylvania Solid Wastes
Biosolids Correspondence and Reports,
1983-1997.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.29} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Series 29 includes reports and correspondence pertaining to biosolids in Pennsylvania.
Legislation Materials,
1975-1993.
(9 folders)
{series #472m.30} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Copies of legislation, correspondence, reports and other related materials concerning the passage of solid waste legislation in Pennsylvania comprise Series 30.
Recycling Newsclippings and Reports,
1972-1993.
(7 folders)
{series #472m.31} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Reports and newsclippings pertaining to recycling in Pennsylvania are housed in this series.
Toxics File,
1979-1994.
(3 folders)
{series #472m.32} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 32 contains reports and newsclippings pertaining to toxic wastes in
Pennsylvania and also New York State, specifically one folder of materials
relative to the Love Canal episode of the early 1980s.
Drinking Water
General File,
1937-2002.
(3 boxes)
{series #472m.33} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
A plethora of materials related to drinking water in the United States and abroad is covered in Series 33. A large section of publications, newsclippings, correspondence, reports and maps are contained in the series. Of particular note is a file pertaining to the drinking supply of New York City, as well as a number of older reports concerning wells, drinking water, and other related topics.
Pennsylvania Materials,
1971-1998.
(1 box)
{series #472m.34} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Files dealing with the quality of Pennsylvania drinking water, as well as
the systems which provide that water to the various communities of the commonwealth,
are discussed in this series. Two examples of materials present are a report
on the small water systems of the state and a 1971 statistical report documenting
the various water utilities in Pennsylvania.
Energy and Environment
Earth Day File,
1966-1990.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.36} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Series 36 encompasses newsclippings, magazine articles and reports relative
to Earth Day and the general state of the environment, dating from roughly
1970 through 1990.
Global and National Planning Files,
1952-1995.
(10 folders)
{series #472m.37} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Various publications and reports as they pertain to energy and environmental
planning in the United States and around the world are covered in this series.
State and Regional Planning Files,
1960-1994.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.38} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 38 includes miscellaneous publications and reports as they relate to
energy and environmental planning in the Commonwealth and around the Middle
Atlantic states. Included is a report on the future of Lake Champlain, as
well as a number of items that discuss environmental laws in Pennsylvania.
Policy Files,
1962-1995.
(1 box)
{series #472m.39} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Materials pertaining to environmental and energy policies, especially as they
deal with governmental regulations, are contained in Series 39. A highlight
of the series is a paper written in 1963 by the author of numerous works,
Aldous Huxley, titled “The Politics of Ecology, The Question of Survival.”
Environmental Impact Statements,
1974-1992.
(1 box)
{series #472m.40} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Documents that pertain to environmental impact statements (EIS) in both Canada
and the United States comprise this series. An EIS is defined as: “a
document required of federal agencies by the National Environmental Policy
Act for major projects or legislative proposals significantly affecting the
environment. A tool for decision making, it describes the positive and negative
effects of the undertaking and cites alternative actions.”
Science and Energy Materials,
1951-1996.
(1 box)
{series #472m.41} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
A number of publications, which discuss science and energy issues and their
impact on the environment, are included in this series. Titles include: “Bioqual
'88 - Applying Biotechnology for Environmental Protection,” “Environmental
Pollution: A Challenge to Science and Technology,” and “Sanitation
Practices in Local Health Departments.”
Environmental History,
1951, 2000 & Undated.
(1 folder)
{series #472m.42} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 42 is comprised of three items which relate to environmental history,
including a paper written in 1951 about the Donora Smog Disaster.
Environmental Monitoring and Mapping
Environmental Monitoring
and Mapping, General Files,
1971-1994.
(1 box)
{series #472m.43} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Articles, papers, reports and various publications that concern the monitoring
and mapping of environmental conditions and initiatives are discussed in Series
43.
Environmental Monitoring and Mapping, Federal Files,
1970-1989.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.44} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Articles, papers, reports and various publications that pertain to the monitoring
and mapping of environmental conditions and initiatives on the federal level
comprise Series 44. Of particular interest are a number of congressional committee
transcripts, statements and reports from hearings involving various environmental
committees of the U.S. House of Representatives. Lyon was a presenter at some
of these hearings, and a file of his hearing materials is included.
Environmental Monitoring and Mapping, State and
Regional Files,
1956-1996.
(9 folders)
{series #472m.45} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
This series contains articles, papers, reports and various publications concerning
the monitoring and mapping of environmental conditions and initiatives on
the regional and state level. In addition to the regional reports, specific
papers pertaining to California, Pennsylvania and Virginia are present.
{series #472m.46} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Series 46 contains various materials, including a fairly large number of articles
and newsclippings, pertaining to the issue of public works and more specifically,
infrastructure. The bulk of the materials date from the mid-1980s, including
reports dealing with projects and issues in Canada as well as the city of
Philadelphia.
Land Use Materials,
1968-1997.
(12 folders)
{series #472m.47} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Articles, reports, newsclippings and correspondence related to land use, mostly
in the mid-Atlantic region, comprise this series. A number of the items deal
with suburban sprawl, and how rural areas are being compromised by the expansion
of cities and their suburbs. Included are a collection of articles from 1988
which were published in the Lancaster [Pa.] New Era entitled: “Lancaster
County: The (Ex?) Garden Spot of America.”
Urbanism Materials,
1965-1992.
(6 folders)
{series #472m.48} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
This series houses articles and reports that discuss the growth of urban areas
in the United States and around the world. Included is an article which looks
at Pittsburgh and its “Renaissances,” as well as a September 1965
issue of Scientific American magazine that contains numerous articles
on cities, urban sprawl and city planning activities here in America and around
the world.
Housing Files,
1967-1990.
(5 folders)
{series #472m.49} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
The bulk of the materials in Series 49 date from the years 1967-1969 and deal
with the issue of housing in Pennsylvania and around the United States. A
report of note is a demographic study titled “The Challenge of America's
Metropolitan Population Outlook - 1960 to 1985,” prepared for The National
Commission on Urban Problems in 1968.
Intergovernment Relations and Communication Files,
1919, 1964-1996.
(7 folders)
{series #472m.50} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
This series holds various items that pertain to intergovernmental relations
at both the state and federal levels. A highlight is a report from 1919 entitled
“Proper Relation of Federal and State Governments in Public Health Work,”
which was produced by the United States Public Health Service.
{series #472m.51} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Pennsylvania Mine Drainage Files,
1965-1999.
(1 box)
{series #472m.52} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
{series #472m.53} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Pine Creek Reclamation Movement Files,
1970-1998.
(2 boxes)
{series #472m.54} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Wetlands Files,
1982-2002.
(1 box)
{series #472m.55} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
{series #472m.56} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Radiation and Noise Articles and Reports,
1956-1992.
(5 folders)
{series #472m.57} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
This series includes a number of articles and reports that pertain to various
radiation or noise-related issues. The Reading Prong, the ten-year anniversary
of the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster, the nuclear power industry, noise
pollution and radon are featured topics. Of particular interest are two reports
that deal with the biological effects of radiation, one written in 1956 and
the other in 1960.
Risk Analysis and Management Materials,
1983-1991.
(1 box)
{series #472m.58} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Miscellaneous articles and reports relative to environmental risk analysis,
assessment and management, mostly dating from the 1980s, comprise Series 58.
One folder concerns meetings and reports of the National Governor's Association,
specifically discussions over various types of environmental risk analysis
and management issues.
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