Officials in Washington Township, Pa., are facing the challenge of siltation, a process by which water becomes dirty as a result of fine mineral particles, in their streams. The state of Pennsylvania has released a Department of Environmental Protection-mandated anti-pollution program that is part of the Clean Water Act. The program aims to eliminate pollution caused by chemicals or sediment carried by stormwater run off from sources like construction sites and oil spills into streams. However, the township does not have a problem with pollution from chemicals; they are only seeing pollution from silt caused by erosion.

Smaller streams in Washington Township's three watersheds, Beaver Run, Pine Run and Pucketa Creek, have already been impaired by siltation. The township has submitted a plan to the state and federal governments with thoughts of how to eliminate the problem. The Department of Environmental Protection has accepted this plan.

Top township engineers advise residents and businesses to refrain from using chemicals to get rid of vegetation along streams. The waterways are better served by leaving vegetation to grow along the banks, as the plants can slow the erosion process.