Reserve at Brightwell Crossing causes uproar over alleged pollution of Potomac River watershed

“Brightwell Crossing is a very safe community that provides excellent housing for everyone,” Alla Mozolina, a resident of Brightwell, states. She has lived at The Reserve since moving to Poolesville last year and has had a very positive experience.

The new community provides a child friendly environment for families attracted to the town as a result of the schools. “I like the environment that this community is surrounded by and that also allows children, living in this resort, to enjoy fresh air and play outside with their friends and family,” says Mozolina. Many family-oriented activities also take place in this tight-knit environment.

The rapid growth and high demand for houses led to the building of The Reserve. The homes “stand out in a town that already stands out.” Extra privacy and beautiful scenery is promised and delivered by Kettler Forlines Homes, with nature and woodland areas surrounding the neighborhood.

Dry Seneca Creek Valley Park is located adjacent to the neighborhood, a protected area since 2011. The Department of Environmental Protection of Montgomery County declared the creek running through the park as an important factor in keeping the Potomac River watershed clean. The Dry Seneca Creek is an above ground stream that feeds into the Potomac River. The Potomac River watershed covers 88% of the county’s bodies of water. In the past, Montgomery County has had to address the water quality issues that resulted from upstream creeks such as this one being mistreated. It is essential to care for upstream land and creeks. This not only affects our local environment but the ecosystem downstream as well.

Many Poolesville residents have voiced concern for the natural ecosystem of this area, as well as areas downstream, as a result of Brightwell Crossing being so close to the park. Jayleen Sorto worries that the community “brings more people around the protected area. There are more people driving there and living there.”

“Pesticides people use in their yards and gasoline leaks from cars…” Sorto lists as she voices her concern. With the community’s proximity to the creek comes the threat of the Potomac River watershed becoming more polluted.

Residents of The Reserve also see these issues. “Most animals lose their homes and their habitats get damaged when new houses are built. Unfortunately, there is no way for people not to harm the environment and own a house next to wooded areas at the same time.” claims Mozolina.

Although, there are existing rules that residents of this community must follow to ensure minimal damage to the environment. “We are not allowed to cut down trees that are located on our yard and we have to mow our lawn at least twice a month.” _____ states. “In other words, we need to keep our territory clean and protected, without harming the environment.” These precautionary measures, as well as the inner construction of the homes, contributes to the community’s environmental cleanliness.

The homes all meet ENERGY STAR 3.1 standards, meaning that they have all been inspected and approved to meet strict energy efficient standards by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These include efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, and appliances. These homes use 15-30% less energy than regular homes which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Regardless of the fact that these homes are energy efficient, outside aspects are still present. The closer these homes are located to protected areas and streams, the higher the risk of pollution. The community’s location has not yet been proven to be an active threat to the overall well being of the ecosystem.