By Elle Wood

LINCOLN — Residents of Cubbage Pond Road are concerned about nearby development affecting sediment discharge in the pond that may destroy it over time.

Aurora Homes is beginning to build Serenity at Cubbage Pond, a community planned to be open by the end of the year. As work has begun, neighbors have noticed its impact on the waterway.

Earlier in 2024, the residents say they observed a large amount of sand-colored sediment being discharged into the water.

Now, they are worried what will happen next, once the neighborhood is complete and the lots occupied.

Richard Treadwell, who lives on Cubbage Pond Road, has been the spokesperson for the residents, contacting agencies including the Sussex Conservation District to find out ways to preserve the pond.

“Our biggest concern is that there is going to be 177 houses being built between two subdivisions,” he said. “All that runoff is going to be going into the retention ponds, and all of the ponds are going to be dumping into Cubbage Pond.

“All this runoff will be containing fertilizer, car wash soaps or whatever comes off vehicles and houses (and) will be draining into this pond.”

As they continue to reach out to organizations to find help, Mr. Treadwell said the residents just want the solution to be the best choice for the body of water.

Lifelong Cubbage Pond Road resident Tom Serio added, “I would like this to be resolved properly.”

With heavy downpours often part of midsummer forecasts, the neighbors are further troubled. But Sussex Conservation District officials are keeping a close eye.

“Sussex Conservation District monitors the site closely for compliance with the approved sediment and stormwater plan,” said Jessica Watson, a program manager for the agency. “Staff was on-site (Wednesday), and verified compliance with controls prior to the (predicted heavy) rain.”

The local citizens say the pond was in great condition before the construction began.

“Until all this happened, Cubbage Pond looked pristine,” Mr. Treadwell said. “There is all different kinds of wildlife. We have eagles, ospreys, geese, ducks and all kinds of fish. And these people are going to ruin it.”

Mr. Serio added that, with development increasing in Sussex County, this worry could be frequent.

“This is a small pond in Delaware, but it could happen to any pond in Delaware,” he said.

Reached Friday, a representative of Aurora Homes said the company had no comment about the residents’ worries.