Controversial natural gas compressor station project in Chesapeake approved for construction

CHESAPEAKE — A controversial project involving a natural gas compressor station in Chesapeake that drew the ire of many residents has been given the green light to be constructed by 2027.

The State Corporation Commission this month approved a request from Virginia Natural Gas to construct the station at 2512 S. Military Highway that they say will help facilitate the movement of natural gas and maintain its pressure as it traverses an existing pipeline. The site is east of Bainbridge Boulevard and west of Campostella Road. Applicants say the project is primarily for the coldest days of the year when demand for natural gas peaks.

Chesapeake City Council approved a rezoning request in July for the project. It then moved to the SCC, a state-appointed body with regulatory authority and judicial power over Virginia’s businesses, public utilities and other economic interests. After public hearings and additional analyses, a final order approving the project was made by a three-person panel March 3.

The estimated $89 million project is slated to be in service by November 2027. Monthly gas bills for residents are estimated to increase by $2.

Residents at council meetings and the SCC public hearings cited environmental justice concerns, particularly since it’ll be close to several neighborhoods with significant minority populations, including the Eva Gardens community, and it’s close to others such as Portlock and Crestwood. They cited concerns with noise and air pollution, chemical runoff and chemical emissions.

Community members also criticized the process used by the council to ultimately approve it. Council members initially rejected a request from VNG to push back a vote before denying the project altogether. Then council members reversed course, placed it back on the agenda at a subsequent meeting, and approved it along racial and partisan lines. Public comment was limited to one hour on the topic.

Ella Ward, Pat King and Les Smith — Black council members backed by local Democrats — objected, citing environmental racism concerns as well as data referencing health-related concerns.

King, a medical doctor, previously referenced a 2021 National Geographic report that shows areas with higher social vulnerability are disproportionately subject to a denser web of natural gas pipelines and equipment and their environmental and health impacts. A 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine said “compressor stations are often placed in rural areas with higher levels of poverty and/or minority populations, contributing to environmental justice concerns,” and also cited emissions-related health concerns.

Industry groups say compressor stations are safe and operate under strict regulatory standards to protect the environment and people’s health.

The final order said additional analyses conclude the project follows Virginia’s Environmental Justice Act, specifically with the use of electric compressors that limit harmful emissions. The project also does not involve the construction of any new pipelines.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com