Fauquier County

PEC works to help citizens in Fauquier build better communities and protect cherished resources–scenic views, working farms, historic heritage, clean water, and healthy air. 

Proposed Gigaland Data Center Development Looms Over Remington

Proposed Gigaland Data Center Development Looms Over Remington

A proposal for a massive data center campus known as “Gigaland,” if approved, would have major implications for Remington and Fauquier County and pave the way for more transmission lines and data center approvals. We are urging residents of Fauquier to oppose the project at the upcoming public hearing at the Fauquier County Planning Commission on Wednesday, June 18.

Broad Run Bridge Expansion Proposal Threatens Chapman-Beverley Mill

Broad Run Bridge Expansion Proposal Threatens Chapman-Beverley Mill

Chapman-Beverley Mill historic site in Broad Run, Virginia.

Chapman-Beverley Mill Historic Site. Photo credit: Virginia.org


Sign the Change.org petition urging VDOT to reconsider its proposal to replace and significantly widen the I-66 bridge at Broad Run, which would put the historic Chapman-Beverley Mill at risk of significant, irreversible damage!



A proposal from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would replace and significantly widen the I-66 bridge at Broad Run, leading to potentially disastrous implications for historic Chapman-Beverley Mill, as well as the Broad Run-Little Georgetown Rural Historic District and the surrounding area. 

We are urging community members and those who share our concerns about this issue to attend VDOT’s upcoming public hearing on Thursday, May 29, 2025 and/or submit written comments to voice your opinion and commitment to protect these precious historical landmarks and conservation lands from the unnecessary and costly development of VDOT’s proposal.

Scroll down for hearing info and location, as well as how to submit written comments.

Background

Aerial view of I-66 bridge (the ends of which appear as lighter bands of concrete in the photo) at Broad Run and the Chapman-Beverley Mill.
Aerial view of I-66 bridge (the ends of which appear as lighter bands of concrete in the photo) at Broad Run and the Chapman-Beverley Mill. Photo credit: Hugh Kenny, PEC

In summer 2023, VDOT approached PEC about its proposed replacement of the bridge “superstructure” for the portion of Interstate 66 that crosses over Broad Run, directly in front of the Chapman-Beverley Mill. (A superstructure is the elevated portion of the bridge where cars drive. Here is another example of a superstructure project in Virginia, and here is more general information about superstructures).

However, in January 2025, VDOT sent us this letter, notifying us that it had decided to pursue a full bridge replacement for reasons it points to as being the expected lifespan of the substructure, the cost of a new bridge relative to the superstructure placement and the fatigue stress caused by the existing design. 

VDOT’s new proposal would significantly widen the shoulders on both sides of the bridge by 30 feet, supposedly intended as pull-off areas for trucks and breakdowns. 

Drawing of on-the-ground view of existing vs. finished I-66 highway bridge with cars on top, showing increased width on both sides.
Graphic from VDOT presentation showing the widening of the bridge. (Click the image to expand)

PEC and other consulting parties, including the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy, Prince William County, Fauquier County Board of Supervisors, and the Buckland Preservation Society, have all raised concerns that this new proposal extends too close to the historical Chapman-Beverley Mill and the surrounding Broad Run/Little Georgetown Rural Historic District. Collectively, we are requesting more information about why such a wide shoulder is necessary. 

Map of I-66 in Broad Run, Virginia at the site of the Chapman-Beverley Mill and historic site, with green shaded areas showing public and privately-conserved land.
Caption: Map of I-66 at Broad Run and the Chapman-Beverley Mill.
Public and privately conserved land appears in green.

The Fauquier Board also recently passed this resolution asking VDOT to hold a public hearing on this important project.

That hearing will take place on Thursday, May 29 in Marshall, VA.

VDOT Public Hearing Info

With multiple groups raising concerns and the potential loss of irreplaceable historical landmarks, it’s clear that additional discussions are needed to ensure that this thoroughfare is protected from further harm, both now and in the future.

PEC position: Just the existing bridge structure should be repaired, as originally planned, and the bridge should not be fully replaced and certainly not widened.

Sign the Change.org petition urging VDOT to reconsider its proposal to replace and significantly widen the I-66 bridge at Broad Run, which would put the historic Chapman-Beverley Mill at risk of significant, irreversible damage!

Talking Points

We urge those who share our concerns to attend the upcoming public hearing on May 29 and/or
submit comments to VDOT by June 9, 2025 to express your opposition to VDOT’s new proposal to replace and significantly widen the bridge, which would have potentially disastrous implications for the Chapman-Beverley Mill.

Below are key points you should know about the proposed bridge expansion. In addition, we have provided a link to download more talking points for use when providing input, which include additional details on VDOT’s proposal and our concerns about the potential impacts to the Chapman-Beverley Mill, Broad Run-Little Georgetown Rural Historic District and the surrounding area.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Under the original 2023 proposal, all work would have occurred within the existing footprint, and VDOT stated there would not be a significant increase in the bridge’s width. The new plan, which calls for full replacement of the bridge and its support structure, is costly and unnecessary, and would have much more drastic implications. Specifically:
    • Such a replacement will require new pilings and new foundations to be installed, which may require blasting or other excavation impacts. Foundation work near the fragile Chapman-Beverley Mill structure would create vibrations that could put the Mill at risk of significant, irreversible damage. 
    • Widening I-66 by 60 feet directly in front of the mill will put the mill at risk.
    • In addition, new shoulders and approaches would be required, all of which will increase the proposed impacts of the new bridge.
  • VDOT hasn’t addressed the impact on the mill of the construction process and the finished product, as well as vibrations from traffic that will be closer to the Mill once the wider bridge is complete.
  • Because the VDOT bridge project is federally-funded and has a potential impact on historic properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it invokes Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Section 106 requires VDOT to identify and assess effects on historic properties, consider alternatives to avoid or mitigate any adverse effects, and designate affected stakeholders as consulting parties to provide public input and recommendations on the project.
  • VDOT has made a Determination of “No Adverse Effect” and sought agreement from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR). This determination of no adverse effect is the result of the Section 106 hearing.
    • PEC asked DHR not to concur with VDOT’s determination and to request that the bridge replacement proposal’s impacts be reevaluated and that lower impact, more cost effective alternatives be pursued. In response, DHR sent this letter to VDOT outlining its concerns about the potential negative impacts of the bridge replacement and related work on the Chapman-Beverley Mill.
    • Although VDOT sent this letter in response to DHR’s letter and questions, its response does not sufficiently address concerns about the long-term impacts of the wider bridge on the mill or ongoing long-term maintenance requirements and costs as well as other matters.
  • Furthermore, shoulders on bridges are not preferred locations for vehicles to pull off. The bridge replacement and expansion opens the door to a wider I-66 and for the shoulders to eventually become travel lanes in the future, which would put traffic even closer to the historic Chapman-Beverley Mill.

View/download additional talking points on the Broad Run/Chapman-Beverley Mill bridge expansion by clicking below.

New ‘Buy Fresh Buy Local’ Food Guides Now Available!

New ‘Buy Fresh Buy Local’ Food Guides Now Available!

This text was taken from an email alert sent out on May 7, 2025. Sign up for email alerts →

Dear Supporter,

We’re excited to announce that PEC’s 2025-26 Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides have been printed and are on their way to you! 

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is proud to produce and mail Buy Fresh Buy Local guides to over 330,000 households throughout our nine-county region and make it available online (see links below). These popular local food guides are a great way to support working farms and learn more about local food options! 

For more than 50 years, The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) has worked to conserve and restore the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont. We believe that doing so requires a strong, sustainable agricultural economy that helps keep rural lands economically viable. 

That’s why we take a direct role in promoting working farms and the fresh foods and beverages they produce through our biennial Buy Fresh Buy Local guides. From veggies and fruit, to meat and dairy, to beer, wine and more, you’ll find all of your favorite local foods and beverages in our newly released 2025-2026 guides for the Northern PiedmontLoudoun County and Charlottesville Area

Learn more about each of our three guides below:


Northern Piedmont

Cover of Buy Fresh Buy Local Northern Piedmont print guide

Our Northern Piedmont guide features nearly 250 local food producers and distributors in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties. Among its listings are 124 local farms and orchards, 11 farmers markets, 37 specialty beverage producers, 24 restaurants and caterers that source locally, and 24 retailers, many of which are displayed on a travel map of the Northern Piedmont area. In addition, there are 19 value-added products that are part of a newly introduced section showcasing entrepreneurs adding value to locally grown products in the form of baked goods, sauces and more.

Northern Piedmont Highlights

This year’s Northern Piedmont guide also highlights two committed local farms and one community group: Kinloch Farm, a livestock farm in Fauquier County, focuses on the intersection of conservation and agriculture, using regenerative farming to incorporate grazing management practices through an adaptive lens that respects ecological cycles, improving the landscape and providing a flourishing habitat and food for wildlife, pollinators and the herd. The Chapman Farm, a cattle farm located in Bealeton, was one of the first farms in their neighborhood to implement water troughs and fencing in their fields that help keep waterways clean, and have been a center for conservation education in the region. And the Carver Food Enterprise Center is doing good work to assist small value-added food businesses and decrease food waste and insecurity across the Piedmont.

Northern Piedmont Sponsors

A special thank you goes to this year’s Northern Piedmont guide sponsors, including the PATH Foundation, Finest Butcher, Wegmans, Choose Culpeper Farms, Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour, Farm Credit, Purely Piedmont, Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Fauquier Agricultural HomeGrown Program, and Mad Magic Kombucha, as well as local food industry sponsors including Kinloch Farm, F.T. Valley Orchard at Mont Medi, Sunnyside Farm & Conservancy, Rappahannock County Farm Tour, Buchanan Hall Community Market, Riders Backfield Farm Beef, Hidden Creek Farm, Red Truck Bakery, Field & Main, Four J’s Farm & Brewery, Ovoka Farm, Virginia Bison Company at Cibola Farms, DuCard Vineyard, Belmont Farm Distillery, 4P Foods, and VA Soil Health Coalition


Loudoun County

Cover of Buy Fresh Buy Local Loudoun County print guide

The Loudoun County guide features more than 170 local food producers and distributors in—you guessed it—Loudoun County. Among its listings are 71 local farms and orchards, nine farmers markets, 40 specialty beverage producers, 26 restaurants and caterers that source locally, 29 retailers (farm stands and grocers), and five value-added producers who have helped launch a new section for the Loudoun chapter!

Loudoun County Highlights

This year’s Loudoun area guide also highlights three local farm businesses. Long Stone Farm carefully stewards over 300 acres of rolling farmland in Lovettsville. By rotational grazing and careful nutrient management, they produce high quality proteins including non-GMO pork, beef, chicken, and eggs. Fireside Farm cultivates a diverse array of high quality vegetables grown by regenerative methods with extra care of the soil and their downstream neighbors. They also offer their veggies and grain in the form of gourmet wood-fired pizza at events around Loudoun. Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery makes beer with ingredients grown onsite that reflects the distinct agricultural region of Virginia’s Piedmont — a concept they call “land beer.”

Loudoun County Sponsors

A special thank you goes to this year’s Loudoun guide sponsors, including the PATH Foundation, Finest Butcher , Wegmans, Loudoun VA Cooperative Extension, Farm Credit, Visit Loudoun, Loudoun Farm Bureau, Loudoun Valley Homegrown Market Cooperative, Mom’s Apple Pie, Long Stone Farm, NOVEC, Great Country Farms, Willowsford Farm, Ayrshire Farm and VA Soil Health Coalition.


Charlottesville Area

Cover of Buy Fresh Buy Local Charlottesville Area print guide

The Charlottesville Area guide features 239 local food producers and distributors in Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson counties. Among its listings are 103 local farms and orchards, 15 farmers markets, 36 specialty beverage producers, 37 restaurants and caterers that source locally, 24 grocers, and 24 value-added products.

Charlottesville Area Highlights

This year’s Charlottesville Area guide also highlights two local growers and one local farm-to-table restaurant. Forrest Green Farm in Louisa County offers an array of farm-raised and locally-grown products. The farm employs a variety of conservation approaches, including regenerative farming, adaptive grazing practices and other holistic land management practices that contribute to healthy land, animals, and soil. Deep Roots Milling in Nelson County operates out of the historic Woodson mill (est. 1794), which uses a time-tested, environmentally sustainable process, using the power of water, to grind their locally-sourced grain, giving their products a unique and desirable texture and nutritional content that bakers love. FARMacy Cafe and Food Truck offers local Charlottesville residents its flavorful and healthful Mexican fusion cuisine that emphasizes nutrient-rich, organic, local ingredients sourced through collaborations with local organic farmers.

Charlottesville Area Sponsors

A special thank you goes to this year’s Charlottesville Area guide sponsors, including PATH Foundation, Finest Butcher, Wegmans, New Country Organics, Farm Credit, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Brickyard Bulls, Peter Wiley Real Estate, Albemarle Economic DevelopmentMarket Central’s Market at Ix, Integral Yoga Natural Foods, Carter Mountain Orchard, Feast, Chiswell Farm & Winery, Hummingbird Hill Native Plant Nursery, and VA Soil Health Coalition.


A big ‘thank you’ goes out to all of the farms and businesses who participated to make this guide a comprehensive resource for the community! 

If you know a farm or business that didn’t make it into the guide, but would like to be listed, they can register on Virginia Market Maker and select the affiliation Buy Fresh Buy Local for the chapter they reside in to sign up!

One last note for our Clarke County members: Clarke County falls within the Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local chapter, and that guide isbrought to you by the Virginia Cooperative Extension; find out more about the Shenandoah Valley chapter and other Buy Fresh Buy Local chapters at buylocalvirginia.org.

Sincerely,

Lea Justice
Buy Fresh Buy Local Assistant
540-347-2334 ext. 7027
[email protected]

A woman with long light brown hair wearing a black jacket and dark green top in front of a green leafy background.

Expanding a Piece of Heaven

Expanding a Piece of Heaven

As the warm sunlight stretches through the bare tree branches at The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Warrenton office, Hans and Anne Wachtmeister huddle in the yard for a picture. With a smiling face, Hans holds up a sign that reads, “This property is forever protected with a conservation easement.”

On the Ground Updates – March 2025

On the Ground Updates – March 2025

A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock