Environmental public comment open for planned Microsoft data center near Gainesville
A public comment period is currently open regarding the potential environmental and watershed impacts of a planned Microsoft data center near Gainesville, Virginia. The project requires an individual permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act and is subject to review by the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program. The 123-acre land, acquired for over $465 million, is zoned for data centers within Prince William County.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has opened a public comment period, running until August 7, regarding the potential environmental impacts of a planned Microsoft data center near Gainesville. Microsoft acquired the 123-acre property in Prince William County, Virginia, for over $465 million in 2024. The land is by-right zoned for data centers within the county’s Data Center Opportunity Zone Overlay District.
The DEQ notice details Microsoft’s request for an individual permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the federal Clean Water Act. The proposed project, featuring two one-story data server facilities, is expected to permanently impact 955 linear feet of intermittent stream channel, 79,400 square feet of palustrine emergent wetlands, and 5,781 square feet of palustrine forested wetlands. Microsoft has affirmed its commitment to adhering to the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, which will also review the project.