Virginia DEQ seeking feedback on limiting air pollution from proposed Chesterfield gas plant

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking feedback from the public and hosting an upcoming public hearing on a draft permit to limit air pollution from Dominion Energy's proposed gas plant.

Public hearing and feedback

On Thursday, Aug. 7, the DEQ hosted a public briefing on the "Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center," a proposed gas plant which, if approved, would be located at 500 Coxendale Road — the former location of the Chesterfield Power Station.

Many community members spoke out against the impacts of the proposed project during a press conference held before the briefing, including members of the No New Gas Plants Coalition.

Following the briefing, the DEQ announced that it will seek public comment and host a public hearing on a draft permit to limit air pollution from the proposed facility.

The public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 at SpringHill Suites Chester, located at 12301 Redwater Creek Rd. Individual comment time will reportedly be limited to provide the opportunity for a larger number of people to speak.

The hearing will reportedly last until the last oral comment has been presented, or at 9:30 p.m., whichever is earliest. If any commenters are unable to provide oral comments by the close of the hearing, written comments will be accepted for 30 days after the public hearing.

Folks can also share their feedback by:

• Sending via mail, addressed to
  • Alison Sinclair,
    DEQ Piedmont Regional Office,
    4949 Cox Rd.,
    Glen Allen, Va. 23060
• Calling 804-489-1008
• Or by emailing AirDivision@deq.virginia.gov.

Maximum emissions from proposed plant

According to the agency, the maximum annual emissions of air pollutants from the proposed plant are expected to be:

• 81.8 tons of particulate matter (PM), a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, also referred to as particle pollution
• 153.9 tons of PM with a diameter of 10 microns or less (PM10)
• 153.9 tons of PM with a diameter of 2.5 microns of less (PM2.5)
• 825.3 tons of carbon monoxide (CO)
• 353.3 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• 27.8 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• 162.4 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
• 18.6 tons of sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
• 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

The DEQ said the expected effect on local air quality will be "no significant deterioration."

What is particulate matter (PM)?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particulate matter can come in many shapes and sizes and can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals.

Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. 

The agency said some particles less than 10 microns, as listed above, can get deep into your lungs, and some can get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter pose the greatest health risk, according to the EPA.

What are the health effects of PM?

The EPA said the size of particles is directly connected to their potential for causing health problems.

Exposure to PM10 and smaller can affect both your lungs and your heart, according to the EPA, with a variety of scientific studies linking PM exposure to problems like:

• Premature death in people with heart or lung disease
• Non-deadly heart attacks
• Irregular heartbeat
• Aggravated asthma
• Decreased lung function
• Increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

"People with heart or lung diseases, children, older adults, minority populations, and low socioeconomic status populations are the most likely to be affected by particle pollution exposure, either because they are more sensitive or may have higher exposures," the EPA said.

What are the environmental effects of PM?

As well as reduced visibility caused by haze from fine particles (PM2.5), the EPA said environmental damage from PM can have the following effects after particles settle:

• Making lakes and streams acidic
• Changing the nutrient balance in coastal waters and large river basins
• Depleting the nutrients in soil
• Damaging sensitive forests and farm crops
• Affecting the diversity of ecosystems
• Contributing to acid rain effects

For more information about PM and other types of pollution, visit the EPA's website.

Past community reaction

Various groups have spoken out against the plant for months, including a measure by Friends of Chesterfield in November 2024, when the group filed an appeal challenging the plant and the permitting process behind it.

In addition to citing health and environmental concerns as to why the group stands against the proposed plant, Friends of Chesterfield also noted the cumulative project cost for ratepayers.