This text was taken from an email alert sent out on November 3, 2025. Sign up for email alerts →
We’re seeing splendid color across the landscape, even in the oaks and hickories. Of course, one can never go wrong with red maples!
It’s been a while since our last Fauquier Updates email, so let’s get started! In the spirit of viewsheds, we’ll touch on VDOT’s proposed I-66 bridge expansion at historic and iconic Thoroughfare Gap, the transition point into the rural Piedmont, at the beloved Chapman-Beverley Mill. Then, very impactful to all of us, we’ll talk about various power infrastructure and data center projects across the county. Our update ends on a hopeful note with information about upcoming events, how you might get to know PEC better and how to share your passion for Fauquier County.
I-66 Bridge Expansion Remains a Concern at Chapman-Beverley Mill
Following a May 29 public meeting on the proposed U.S. Interstate 66 bridge replacement over Broad Run, VDOT agreed to consider a replacement and/or rehabilitation of the existing structure, accompanied by an alternating traffic flow (i.e., two lanes eastbound in the morning, alternating in the evening) plan that would allow the two sides of the current structure to be replaced in succession.
Unfortunately, as of Oct. 15, VDOT recommends continuing with its original project proposal, which will result in a substantially wider structure, sufficient to add two additional travel lanes in each direction. Ironically, according to VDOT, there are no proposals or approved plans to widen I-66 west of Haymarket, making the expanded bridge an extravagant solution to solve potential delays during construction.
The project as proposed would be advertised for bid in September 2026. With an eye on a smaller, less expensive project that will have far fewer negative impacts on Broad Run water quality, the historic mill site and surrounding wildlife habitat, PEC and our partners are considering our options for further action.
We will continue to follow this issue and keep you informed of any developments.
Remington Tech Park LP Proposes Adding a Gas Turbine Power Plant and Electrical Substation to its Massive Complex
For the first time in Fauquier County, a data center developer has applied for approval of an on-site power production plant. Remington Tech Park LP has filed a rezoning amendment application with an updated site plan, including building location changes, an on-site gas turbine power production plant and an on-site electrical substation.
If approved, there will be three natural gas-powered energy production plants all within one square mile, with the RTP proposed 300MW gas plant literally next door to The Meadows residential community in Remington.
The cumulative health risks of this additional gas plant so close to residential is alarming because gas generation sites release pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to these pollutants, particularly PM2.5 and NOx (which is a precursor to smog), can lead to serious health problems, including increased rates of asthma, bronchitis and respiratory diseases, and can exacerbate existing heart and lung conditions leading to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Once the application has gone through Community Development review, it will go before the Planning Commission. Due to the unique nature of this application, PEC doesn’t expect it to be presented in a public hearing before 2026.
PEC is concerned that this latest proposal represents a trend in the data center industry and a local example of the industry trying to get around the long lead times for power provision by Dominion. Read more → Four Governors Whose States Rely on PJM Want Data Centers to Guarantee Their Own Power – Inside Climate News
Meanwhile, the developers of RTP have begun construction of the first of six data center buildings and are planning the second. Based on the original application filing document, plans are to complete the six buildings over the next several years.
Proposed Morrisville Substation Expansion Application Withdrawn
Fauquier Planning Commission in a 4-1 vote Oct. 16 found that a Dominion Energy project application to expand the substation in Morrisville was not in substantial accord with the Comprehensive Plan.
The application was expected to proceed to a review and vote by the Board of Supervisors in November. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Dominion first requested to postpone and has now withdrawn its application.
The substation expansion is a key component of Dominion’s already-approved Morrisville to Wishing Star transmission line project, which spans Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun Counties. Delay or denial of the project will also have significant ramifications for several other projects in Dominion’s pipeline that are tied to data center energy demand.
This substation expansion and related transmission lines, if approved, would be in very close proximity to the Mary Walter Elementary School. Nearby residents would be forced to live through significant land disturbance, construction traffic, noise and air pollution. In addition, there will be lasting impacts to the well-being of the school’s students, faculty and greater community.
PEC staff and volunteers continue to track activity at PJM, where another round of transmission proposals is working its way through a review and recommendation process, including several proposals that would affect Fauquier and surrounding counties.
Gigaland Application to Return in January
On June 18, the Fauquier County Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend against the application for the seven-building, 2.2-million-square-foot data center campus known as “Gigaland.” Prior to the scheduled Sept. 11 Board of Supervisors public hearing and vote, the developers of Gigaland withdrew their application, canceling the public hearing and removing the original proposal from consideration.
The developers have indicated that they intend to submit a new project application in January 2026. PEC cautiously awaits the new application and a scaled-down design. We will update you as we have new information.
East Point Appeals Comp Plan Decision on Battery Energy Storage System
In April, Fauquier County Board of Supervisors approved a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance, which created a framework for considering BESS projects.
What is BESS? A Battery Energy Storage System is an array of battery modules that receives energy from a source, stores it and makes it available for later use. It may be connected solely to the electrical grid, receiving and sending energy to the grid alone, or it may be connected to an energy producer such as a gas- or diesel-powered generator, or a solar or wind operation. BESS allows energy producers and grid operators to store energy when it may be in excess and use that energy when there is either a shortage or an unstable supply.
In September, Dominion Energy received approval from the Board to develop a 174-unit BESS facility adjacent to its natural-gas-powered Remington Plant.
As required by the new ordinance, East Point Energy, LLC applied for a Comp Plan Review of its proposed Summersweet BESS project, to be located adjacent to the Morrisville electrical substation. As a reminder, that substation is adjacent to Mary Walter Elementary School. The Planning Commission found the proposed project failed to be in substantial accord with the Comprehensive Plan and recommended denial.
East Point appealed that decision and the Board will hear the appeal at its regular meeting on Nov. 13.
Upcoming Events
If you’re out and about in the Piedmont this fall, we’d love to see you at our upcoming in-person PEC and partner events:
Nov. 10 @ 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Southern Fauquier Conservation Speed Dating Workshop
At the Bealeton Depot – Landowners and agricultural producers in southern Fauquier County who are interested in learning about conservation opportunities are invited to this free workshop hosted by PEC and the Rappahannock River Roundtable where you can meet one-on-one with many of the local organizations that provide technical and financial assistance and talk about options for your property. To register, please fill out this form or email [email protected].
Nov. 14 @ 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Volunteer Tree Planting at Rappahannock County Park
At Rappahannock County Park, Washington, VA – Volunteers are needed to help us plant approximately 150 native trees and shrubs to enhance the riparian buffer along the Rush River, a tributary of the Rappahannock River watershed.
Nov. 21 @ 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Conservation Open House in Etlan
At Ducard Vineyards, Etlan, VA – The community is invited to a free open house to mingle with each other and conservation practitioners in the area including the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative and the Shenandoah National Park Trust.
Dec. 6 @ 9:00 a.m. – PEC/VCN Legislative Briefing and Breakfast
At PEC – Join us at our Regional Watch Party and learn about critical environmental legislative action upcoming in the 2026 General Assembly. Hear from statewide experts, meet other conservationists in your area, and learn how to get more involved on the local level
Remember, every day is a new day with all its possibilities in front of us. Thank you for your continued support and engagement on important community issues. Please let me know if there are other topics you’d like to see included in future updates and feel free to contact me with any questions.
If you are able, we greatly appreciate donations in any amount, which help us continue to do this important work and have a positive impact in the community. We would also love for you to become a PEC member, if you aren’t already!
Finally, if you know of anyone who would be interested in this information, please forward this email to them and encourage them to subscribe to our email updates.
Sincerely,
Evelyn Eichorn
Senior Land Use Field Representative
Fauquier County
[email protected]
(540) 347-2334 x7046
