A Murrysville developer will appeal a fine from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for causing pollution to Steels Run on Wiestertown Road.

DeCesare Corp. was fined $25,000 after construction at the San Ria Court development on Wiestertown Road caused stormwater runoff into Steels Run, which runs along Wiestertown Road and through Murrysville Community Park.

Helen Humphreys, DEP community relations coordinator, said the company has installed erosion and sedimentation control devices as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

Tony DeCesare said the company has fixed the issues that it was fined for and will contest the fine with the DEP.

The Westmoreland Conservation District had inspected the work site in 2004, 2006 and 2007 and found the problems, according to the DEP.

Without controls in place to prevent runoff, fish and plants in the stream can be at risk.

"If you have too much sedimentation, it'll basically choke the fish," Humphreys said.

The runoff also can hurt plant life because it clouds the water and makes it difficult for sunlight to shine through, she said.

The company's work sites will be subject to periodic reviews for three years because of the fine, DeCesare said.