Shoppes at Apple Greene

September 15, 2008

The Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) arranged a meeting August 4, 2008, providing Apple Greene Subdivision representatives an opportunity to express concerns directly to the Developer of Shoppes at Apple Greene (Marrick/Howlin).

The Apple Greene leaders, Lisa Yankanich and Katie McVicker deserve credit and should be commended leading their community and organizing public awareness. They clearly seek an equitable solution between the developer’s proposal and citizen’s concerns.

DACCA’s stated positions to date supported “in concept” the planned Drip Irrigation system and moving the development date from 10 years to within 3 – 5 years. Most importantly, support was dependent upon the specifics of the submitted plans.

To hear more details of the plans, DACCA Board of Directors attended a follow up meeting between the developer and the Apple Greene residents held September 15, 2008. The residents have valid concerns regarding the proposed stormwater management plans and the land application sewage system.

Concern remains with the proposed location of the intended “holding pond” that functions to house treated waste water especially during times when the drain fields are waterlogged.

Reportedly, soil conditions preclude relocating the “holding pond” to another location.

As to the viability of using a drip irrigation field, the other two systems within Calvert County experience challenges. Calvert Gateway suffered from groundhog damage. At Marley Run lightning strikes disabled a switch. The Developer of Shoppes at Apple Greene should identify specific Risk Management plans and procedures to mitigate sewage compromise.

The current law requires a minimum of 50 feet between drip irrigation fields and residential areas. The distance for Calvert Gateway and its nearest neighbor is 700 feet. Marley Run may also be 700 feet from the current residence, but is within 50 feet of the nearest (not yet developed lot). Additional study may be required to ascertain the correct distance (somewhere between 50 and 700 feet).

The developer identified plans to install multiple berms between drip irrigation fields and the residential area. DACCA encourages additional earthen walls planted with trees that would keep the view away from the residents of the “holding pond” and all drip irrigation fields. This would ensure any spillage remains on site and should strive to provide privacy approximating the current state.

Addressing effective stomwater management and storm drain issues are unresolved. To maximize keeping rainwater on site, the developer, at a minimum, should explore use of bio-retention basins, stormwater swale, “green roofs,” and rain gardens as well as pervious surfaces. Run-off leaving the Shoppes at Apple Greene remains a concern.

Evan Slaughenhoupt

President, Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA)