DailyDOCUMERICA

Harsh contrasts. The splendor of Lake Tahoe and the mountains beyond … and old tires and other trash on the lake shore. Photograph by Belinda Rain for DOCUMERICA, May 1972.

A newly constructed home and silt contamination on the shore of Lake Tahoe. Photograph by Belinda Rain for DOCUMERICA, May 1972.

Original caption: The Polluted Lake Charles which has a dangerously high level of mercury. Olin-Mathieson Plant in background, 06/1972. Photo by Marc St. Gil.

High levels of mercury, you say? I’ll race you into the water!

Original caption: Crabbing in Polluted Waters, 06/1972. Photo by Marc St. Gil.

Again, let’s hope this is a “catch and release” crabbing venture, and that these two aren’t serious about that crab being their dinner!

Original caption: Chemical Plants on Shore Are Considered Prime Source of Pollution, 06/1972. Photo by Marc St. Gil.

Attention please! If you lost a giant chemical tank on the beach …

Original caption: Chemical Plants near Swimming Area, 06/1972. Photo by Marc St. Gil.

Yikes! That is all.

Original caption: Plum Beach, Sheepshead Bay 05/1973. Photo by Arthur Tress.

Dear God! I’m praying this is a “catch and release” kind of fishing trip!

Original caption: Among the shoreline debris at the John F. Kennedy Airport is this abandoned auto 05/1973. Photo by Arthur Tress.

And Jamaica Bay claims yet another victim as a Pan-Am 747 looks on.

Original caption: This land along Jamaica Bay Is owned by the JFK Airport 06/1973. Photo by Arthur Tress.

A school of tire fish have sadly beached themselves near JFK airport.

Original caption: Auto Chassis Submerged in Jamaica Bay Waters near Breezy Point 05/1973. Photo by Arthur Tress.

Jamaica Bay claims another victim! You have to ask, “Is it the pollution in the water that caused them to decay so quickly?”