Goochland to weigh 900-megawatt data center campus under new tech zone
Tract has filed a pre-application for a 900-megawatt data center campus, "Tuckahoe Creek Park," in Goochland County, Virginia. The large-scale project faces existing opposition and a legal challenge from residents regarding the underlying technology district approved by the county. Concerns include significant electricity and water demands, noise, and potential impacts on quality of life.
Denver-based Tract has submitted a pre-application for "Tuckahoe Creek Park," a master-planned data center campus in Goochland County, Virginia, proposing a 900-megawatt, 872-acre development. This project, intended to be one of Virginia's largest energy-intensive developments, would require nearly 70 times more power than all current Goochland households, amounting to the electricity needed for 750,000 U.S. homes annually.
The proposal includes seven development areas and three electric substations, with buildings up to 80 feet tall. Tract emphasizes the project's potential to reinforce prior investments and provide substantial fiscal, employment, and infrastructure benefits to Goochland County, projecting over $400 million in property taxes and $600 million in business personal property taxes over two decades.
However, the project is situated within a technology district that Goochland County approved in November, which is currently facing a legal challenge from county residents. The lawsuit alleges eight violations by the county board, with residents citing concerns over quality of life, health, property values, and the possibility of nuclear reactors or gas peaker plants. The county has earmarked at least $250,000 for the legal defense.
Infrastructure considerations include connecting to high-voltage transmission lines and coordinating with Dominion Energy for a load study. Water demand could range from 25,000 to 600,000 gallons per day, requiring potential extensions to public water service and system upgrades. Wastewater discharge is projected at 160,000 gallons per day, with modeling suggesting existing infrastructure can handle it. Noise impacts are modeled at 55-65 decibels, and Tier-4 certified diesel backup generators are proposed to meet strict EPA emissions standards.