DEQ Accepting Data Center Public Comments Through June 3

Purpose of notice: To seek public comment on a draft permit from the Department of Environmental Quality that would allow impacts to wetlands and stream channels in Loudoun County, Virginia. A one million square foot data center campus along with an associated power substation will be constructed by-right on land bounded by Broadlands Boulevard to the south, Belmont Ridge Road to the west, the Dulles Greenway to the north, and Education Court to the east. The by-right data center does not need approval from the Board of Supervisors to be built, as the property’s current office park zoning allows for its construction.

Now through Monday, June 3, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting public comments for the permit application (Application number 23-2808) associated with the construction of the Broadlands CyrusOne data center. The application is to allow for changes that will impact approximately one acre of wetlands and approximately 2,000 feet of stream flowing into the Beaverdam Run, due to the construction of the data center. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors does not have control over this environmental application, as the wetlands and streams at this site are being reviewed through DEQ’s Virginia Water Protection permit program.

Comments should concentrate on the wetlands and stream impacts, and avoid focusing on other aspects of the data center, such as location or design. DEQ accepts comments via email at Emily.Kuplack@deq.virginia.gov or by mail. For additional information on the permit application and how to submit comments, visit deq.virginia.gov/permits/public-notices/water/wetlands-streams-vwp.