This conference in the matter of pollution of the interstate waters of the Mississippi River, involving the States of Illinois and Iowa and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, was held under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The purpose of the conference is to bring together the State water pollution control agencies, the representatives of the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and other interested parties to review the existing situation, the progress which has been made, and to lay a basis for future action by all parties concerned, and to give the states, localities, and industries an opportunity to take any remedial action which may be indicated under state and local law.