CURRENT PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Eagle Crest Estates Subdivision
Project #: 2025-319
Applicant: TGG Investments, LLC. & Crafton Tull (Blake Murray, PE)
102 Acre - 98 Lot Subdivision (94 Buildable & 4 Unbuildable)
18027 Blue Springs WC 70. Goshen, AR 72703
THREAT TO BEAVER LAKE
Beaver Lake—drinking water source for 1 in 5 Arkansans—is facing a significant and immediate threat from the proposed Eagle Crest Subdivision. The development would place 98 septic systems on 98 steep lots located less than a quarter mile from one of the lake’s most vulnerable inlets, an area already impaired and listed under Clean Water Act Section 303(d) for contamination.
To create these lots, the developer plans extensive excavation and clear-cutting, converting steep, rolling terrain into a dense grid of roads and building pads. According to the Beaver Watershed Alliance, erosion and sediment from this disturbance could reach Beaver Lake’s intake in under 10 hours, delivering both sediment and additional nutrient pollution from septic effluent. The plan further includes multiple septic lift stations and a high proportion of impervious surfaces, compounding runoff risks.
Beyond environmental concerns, the project raises issues of public safety and oversight. The developer is based out of state, and no local building oversight is in place for septic installation or construction quality. Increased traffic on Blue Springs Road would add further risk to nearby residents.
This is not an argument against growth—Goshen has recently approved developments that follow responsible planning principles, including lower density, preserved open space, and protective buffers. Eagle Crest stands in stark contrast: maximum land disturbance, maximum pollution risk, and minimal accountability.
ADDITIONAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS & CONCERNS
It is essential to consider the significant negative impacts this project may have on safety, infrastructure, environment, and public services in both the City of Goshen and Washington County.
Environmental and Watershed Impact
· The development will increase impervious surfaces leading to greater stormwater runoff, which could overwhelm drainage systems and increase flooding risks along Blue Springs Road and surrounding watersheds impacting Goshen.
· Increased runoff may degrade water quality in local streams and aquifers, threatening the environment and water supply.
Impact on Beaver Water Authority (BWA) and Regional Water Supply
· The proposed subdivision will increase water demand in an area served by the Beaver Water Authority, which manages water supply for Goshen and much of Washington County.
· This added demand could strain BWA’s capacity, especially during peak usage periods or drought conditions, potentially affecting water availability and pressure for existing customers.
· Increased development without adequate infrastructure upgrades could necessitate costly expansion of water treatment and distribution facilities, potentially leading to higher water rates for consumers.
· Over-reliance on groundwater sources alongside surface water from BWA increases the risk of resource depletion and long-term sustainability concerns.
· The applicant/developer/property owner must satisfy the City of Fayetteville Waterworks’ requirements to get water service to the proposed development. Per the City of Fayetteville, it is not clear that the water system has the capacity for this level of development in this area.
Septic Systems
· Septic systems are designed for low-density use.
· In high-density developments, septic systems are placed close together, reducing the space for natural filtration. This increases the likelihood of system failures and sewage surfacing, leading to odor and health hazards.
· The reliance on septic systems may increase risk of groundwater contamination if soil absorption limits are exceeded.
Safety and Traffic Concerns
Increased Traffic on Blue Springs Road and Highway 45:
The subdivision will significantly increase traffic volume not only on Blue Springs Road but also on Highway 45, a major route passing through the City of Goshen. Increased traffic on Blue Springs and Highway 45 will cause congestion, longer travel times, and heightened risk of accidents, particularly during peak hours.
Narrow Roads, Limited Shoulders, and Dangerous Curves:
Blue Springs Road is a rural two-lane road with minimal shoulders, dangerous curves, and limited visibility, which combined with increased traffic, raises safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, and school buses.
Lack of Guardrails:
The absence of guardrails on hazardous sections of Blue Springs Road increases the risk of vehicles leaving the roadway, particularly during adverse weather or in high-traffic conditions.
Infrastructure and Public Services Strain
· The increase in population and traffic will put added pressure on local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public services such as emergency response, police, and fire services.
· Highway 45 through Goshen, already a critical artery for local traffic, may require upgrades or increased maintenance due to heavier use.
Noise and Quality of Life
· Increased traffic, construction noise, and urbanization will impact the rural character and peaceful environment currently enjoyed by Goshen residents.
Negative Impacts on Nearby Bodies of Water: White River, Richland Creek, and Beaver Lake
· Water Quality Degradation: Increased stormwater runoff from the subdivision’s impervious surfaces (roofs, roads, driveways) carries pollutants such as sediments, fertilizers, pesticides, and oils into local waterways, including Richland Creek, which feeds into the White River watershed and ultimately Beaver Lake.
· Eutrophication and Algal Blooms: Nutrient loading from runoff can promote excessive algae growth in these water bodies, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. This impacts fishing, recreation, and drinking water quality.
· Sedimentation and Habitat Disruption: Soil erosion from construction and ongoing runoff may increase sediment loads in streams, degrading fish habitats and disrupting ecosystems in Richland Creek and connected waterways.
· Flooding and Hydrological Changes: Altered land surfaces increase runoff volume and velocity, which can exacerbate flooding downstream along Richland Creek and the White River, threatening adjacent properties and infrastructure.
· Impact on Beaver Lake Water Supply: Beaver Lake is a critical drinking water reservoir for Northwest Arkansas. Increased pollution and sedimentation risks from upstream development can compromise water treatment processes, increase costs, and threaten long-term water supply reliability.
