Neighbors in Fairfax County are pushing back on the proposed data center substation

Residents of Fairfax County, Virginia, are strongly opposing a proposed data center substation by Dominion Energy, citing concerns over noise pollution and the unsuitable location near residential neighborhoods. A community meeting at the Mason District Governmental Center saw a large turnout of residents, including new mother Hannah, who brought her 10-week-old daughter Sophia to underscore the community's unified stance against the project. This was reportedly the first time Dominion Energy had engaged with the community for feedback on the plan to build the substation in the Bryn Mawr area.

Hannah, alongside other residents, emphasized that the message to Dominion Energy was clear: "We don't want this in our neighborhoods. We don't want this for our kids. We don't want this for our future." A Dominion spokeswoman acknowledged that a noise pollution study had not yet been conducted but indicated that a "humming noise" should be expected.

Tyler Ray, a resident living directly across from the proposed site, argued that substations do not belong in the middle of neighborhoods and that the county's own ordinances might support their position. He stressed that this is not "close to the end" of the process, but potentially "the beginning of something."

The community's opposition remains active, with Angel Martinez stating the "fight isn't over yet." Two additional meetings are scheduled for September, with the planning committee anticipated to make a final decision on the substation's fate on September 24th. Melissa Kim of WUSA 9 reported from Fairfax County.