The Leesburg Today recently reported on a hot topic in Loudoun County. Currently the county is discussing development restrictions that would address concerns about sinkholes and groundwater pollution associated in the area of limestone soils northed of Leesburg to the Potomac River.

The new proposal would prohibit land-disturbing activities around outcroppings and require property owners to conduct geological studies before building additions or swimming pools and more detailed evaluation for subdivisions. New gas stations would be prohibited as pollution threats and irrigation using groundwater would no longer be permitted.

These regulations have potential to depress property values and harm an already-suffering housing market. Hopefully after more research and study county officials can present a solution to homeowners that will protect their health, the community and property values.

"During Tuesday night's public hearing, county supervisors and most of the 30 speakers agreed that more study was needed before enacting new development restrictions that would affect some 14,000 acres and 1,200 property owners.

The proposed Limestone Overlay District is aimed at addressing concerns about sinkholes and groundwater pollution associated with development in the area of limestone soils that are prevalent in a swath of land north of Leesburg to the Potomac River. The proposal would prohibit land-disturbing activities around outcroppings and require property owners to conduct geological studies before building additions or swimming pools and more detailed evaluation for subdivisions. New gas stations would be prohibited as pollution threats and irrigation using groundwater would no longer be permitted.

The public hearing highlighted two sides of the long-running debate over the development limitations. While many speakers argued that the regulations were overly restrictive, complaints from residents of the Raspberry Falls subdivision about their contaminated groundwater supplies and calls for the extension of public water service highlighted the dangers supervisors say they are trying to address.

Another common complaint was that the creation of the overlay district, and particularly a proposal to require disclosure to potential homebuyers about special circumstances of living in a limestone area, would further erode property values and make it harder to sell property in an already difficult market."

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