The article discusses how sediment runoff from highway construction sites can harm water quality. It explains how to predict erosion rates using a soil loss equation and the importance of controlling runoff to protect water sources. By analyzing a section of Interstate Highway I-80 in Pennsylvania, the researchers found that implementing ditches and impoundments could have prevented stream pollution at a lower cost than treating contaminated water. This shows that effective sediment control measures can meet state and federal regulations while safeguarding water quality.