Homestead Campground has safe wells

The owners of Homestead Campground want to set the record straight on the timeline of groundwater contamination discovered in the area of Prettyman Road near Harbeson.

The issue surfaced during a recent public hearing and approval of the Wynford Preserve subdivision located across Prettyman Road from the campground.

Casey Kenton, one of the owners, said the discussion about the application at a recent Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission meeting left an impression that the discovery of the contamination occurred recently.

Kenton said the trichloroethylene contamination was found by Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control staff more than a decade ago, before his company purchased the campground. He said when it was found, the former owner of the campground installed a new well for water supply.

“Our two drinking water wells are required to be tested annually by DNREC to ensure compliance, and we have never received any notices or violations regarding our water quality since taking ownership in 2012,” Kenton said.

Homestead Campground operates from May 1 to Sept. 30 and offers a variety of amenities and camping options, including pull-through full hook-up sites, a tent camping area and five cabins. Amenities include two pools, two dog parks, laundry, cornhole pits, a basketball court, batting cage, catch-and-release pond, pavilions, community center, Wi-Fi lounge and special events throughout the season.