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Water, septic and watershed impacts top objections to Naked Creek KOA proposal
Summary
Speakers and water advocates warned the campground could lower neighbors’ wells and increase pollution in Naked Creek; the Shenandoah Riverkeeper and technical commenters said the application lacked independent hydrogeologic analysis and cumulative watershed evaluation.
Multiple commenters raised detailed water-resource concerns about the proposed KOA campground, arguing the application lacks sufficient analysis of groundwater demand, septic capacity and cumulative watershed impacts.
"This proposal includes approximately 200 RV campsites, cabins, bath houses, laundry facilities, swimming pools and other water‑intensive amenities," said Mark Frondorf, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, adding that the application "provides no comprehensive analysis of long term water demand, no groundwater impact study, no assessment of impacts in neighboring wells and springs, and no meaningful drought contingency plan." Several residents also asked whether baseline water‑quality testing and long‑term pump tests had been performed and whether the proposed septic drain field could survive periodic floods.
Staff and the application packet note the project proposes two wells and a septic system and include a traffic-turn-lane warrant analysis provided July 8. But multiple speakers, including former NRCS staff and licensed engineers, disputed whether a conventional septic system would suffice for a 191‑site resort and urged independent hydrogeologic review and pump‑test data before the commission moves forward.
The commission voted to table the matter and directed staff to assemble agency comments and technical questions for the applicant to answer before the next hearing.
