1971-
Leading up to Operation Zap: September 9, 1972

May 5 – David Rosser did his work on the Blackstone River as a volunteer for many years.  He retired at 72 and then entered the field of ecology.  For the past nine years he was involved as a public relations consultant to various civic and environmental groups.  Last year he was appointed to executive director of the Blackstone River Watershed Association.
Read the full article about David Rosser’s career.
 “And Now, it’s Ecology” : Providence Journal May 9, 1971

May 5 -The status of the river in 1971 was not good.  Raw sewage was leading directly into the river. David Rosser bringing awareness to this issue.
Raw Sewage Observed. Lonsdale Add Filth to River    ; Providence Journal May 27, 1971

Aug. 27 – Rosser presents statistics that 53% of the flow of the Blackstone River “is absolutely sewage”.
SomePromise, Some Funds:  River Cleanup Report  : August 27, 1971

Dec. 4 – The Blackstone River Watershed Association (BRWA) expects the river to be clean enough for fishing by 1974, boating by 1975 and swimming by 1976.
Two State Effort: Blackstone River Cleanup Proposed  : Pawtucket Times Dec. 4, 1971

Dec. 6 – John McLennon EPA pledge to give top priority in his agency to the Blackstone to halt pollution of New England’s rivers and streams at a conference with Pawtucket Mayor Burns. 
US Officials Promises River Pollution Cleanup : Dec. 6, 1971