EDITOR'S NOTE: The Maryland Gazette spent months probing the reasons behind decades of chronic pollution in Furnace, Marley and Rock creeks. In today's conclusion of two-part story, we explore the possibility of a cure.

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The grim truth about local creeks closed by dangerously high levels of bacteria is that there is no easy solution.

Decades of pollution in Furnace, Marley and Rock creeks have many sources, failing septic tanks, stormwater runoff and an overstretched sewer system.

Ron Bowen, county director of public works, said the complicated cleanup will take initiatives both large and small.

There are...