County lawmakers have created a task force to hunt for explanations behind decades-long pollution in three north county creeks.

Headed by Del. Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena, the panel will meet with the county Department of Public Works and the Maryland Department of the Environment next month and review existing test results.

"Our goal is to get some concrete scientific data to back up what is being said by the county and the department of the environment," Kipke said Thursday at the panel's first meeting in Annapolis.

County and state officials believe persistent bacterial and nutrient pollution in Furnace and Marley creeks is...