Grading set to begin for Google Data Center campus in Botetourt County
Phased grading work is set to begin in Botetourt County, Virginia, for Google's data center campus after the company received a Land Disturbance Permit. The project will be overseen by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for environmental permits and will adhere to county noise ordinances.
The phased grading work for Google's data center campus in Botetourt County, Virginia, is set to commence after the tech giant secured a Land Disturbance Permit from county officials. The permit allows initial site preparation on a 312-acre parcel within the Botetourt Center at Greenfield. This development follows Google satisfying all county requirements for the permit.
Further environmental oversight will be provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for various related permits. The county confirmed that the project will not disturb wetlands, with temporary access potentially utilizing "dry support bridges" to protect these areas. Stringent erosion, sediment control, and stormwater management measures are mandated to control runoff from the construction site.
Site preparation is expected to include intermittent blasting, which will be regulated by the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, requiring reviews of blasting plans and notifications for each blast. Additionally, Botetourt County’s noise ordinance will prohibit construction activities between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., with Google committing to on-site sound monitoring during both construction and operational phases. The Botetourt County Sheriff's Office will enforce these noise regulations. The county has pledged to provide ongoing updates on the project's progress.