In July, 1967, the first of a series of pre-pollutional surveys on the Saskatchewan River and adjoining areas was initiated. The need for such surveys was stimulated by the proposal to construct and operate a pulp and paper mill at The Pas, Manitoba. Standards of water quality, quantity and quality of benthos and nature of bottom sediments will be established under present environmental conditions. Necessary baseline data will be provided in this manner to determine and assess changes in these factors if such occur after operations have begun.