Chesapeake approves VNG compressor station

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Despite a public outcry, Chesapeake City Council voted 6-3 on Tuesday night to approve a compressor station for Virginia Natural Gas off South Military Highway near Bainbridge Boulevard.

Tuesday’s vote was a reconsideration of the project, which City Council previously voted to deny on June 17.

“You’ve already jerked us around by making it necessary for us to be here yet again,” said James Tyree, a citizen who was one of 13 people who spoke against the project. Dozens of people in the chambers came out to oppose the project, but not all of them spoke because City Council suspended its rules to impose a time limit on the discussion.

The 23.2-acre property located at 2512 S. Military Highway is already an industrial site managed by Virginia Natural Gas. It had four different zonings — highway business district, general business district, residential district and multi-family residential. It is now rezoned to light industrial.

Virginia Natural Gas said the project is needed to maintain enough pressure across its system to provide uninterrupted service on the coldest days of the year.

Residents in nearby neighborhoods such as Crestwood and Ava Gardens raised concerns about the health impacts of air and groundwater pollution, noise, and declining property values. They said it was an injustice to continue to expect people in minority communities to bear the financial and quality-of-life burden of industrial projects that benefit corporations.

“No ethical government builds toxic infrastructure on the backs of people being pushed further and further into the margins,” said John Quinlon, who spoke against the project.

Some opponents of the project threatened action in response to approval — both in the courtroom and at the polls.

“Neighbors, if the city proceeds with this action, please let’s immediately strategize and prepare our legal response,” said Cheryl Berry.

Virginia Natural Gas employees and representatives spoke during the meeting as well, contending that the compressor station would not produce noise audible outside its property line and that the site is already an active VNG site with gas flowing.

“I know firsthand how critical it is that we ensure our communities have heat and energy that is reliable during winter,” said Shannon Pierce, president and chief executive officer of Virginia Natural Gas.

“We do not want our critical facilities, hospitals, shelters, military bases, to not have energy,” added Morgan Whayland, director of government and public affairs with VNG.

City Council members Dr. Pat King, Les Smith Jr. and Dr. Ella Ward voted against approving the project.

“To vote for this project would be a violation of my moral compass and my ethical standards,” King said.

Council member Daniel Whitaker was one of those who voted for the project.

“In my view, I believe this to be vital infrastructure,” he said.

The project still requires approval from the State Corporation Commission, and a public comment period through the SCC is active through Aug. 5.