[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6276179,"mediaKeyId","2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78","parentId",2660883,"title","Fauquier supervisors adopt zoning amendment to allow wild-game processing (abattoirs) with special permits","audioSeconds",299,"startMs",2631000,"endMs",2930000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78&start=2631&end=2930","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78/thumbnail_2631000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6276179/Fauquier-County/Virginia/Fauquier-supervisors-adopt-zoning-amendment-to-allow-wild-game-processing-abattoirs-with-special-permits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276179-9f106ce4acd3711ef9c9a8332bb8adb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188324&Signature=oGOYbYPkmFQXwphTF3e~FWlLwh3UOjG5iLbaKG9Ni~9fXy2dOzjD5E3oMPfNVyuUZz3JCNSkFfPFx4AOxxlKrssHzLybB7zjaJGDd6FrVZ6ljOyo614fMYkbb5z3XGTShLPUoRYYI-1EZr2G1NsPfghmLAUjtSp2Rm2pBkZwUWFHHZrxuJ4b3FNX87rTieVAGRz87lpy3Y5xNl2h2QbaoAd5swKH~RJ5UfJgKYkkDCXFDzeD1cDR9~r6-PUE2ADxgpj9KXvEsOX~nfvtL0k1i180q-Xi-kmDrFCcUsR3M7p1HTEdSYrUEDISu1x5jioc8QQQk3G~BuQwzy5uR4VcXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fauquier County, VA","date","2025-03-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors adopted Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 24-01937 to allow wild-game processing facilities (described in the amendment as abattoir/wild-game processing) in specified zoning districts under special permit or special exception standards.

Under the adopted amendment, a definition for wild-game processing was added to include the processing, cutting and packaging of non-domesticated animals harvested in the wild, such as deer, bear, boar, elk, squirrel, rabbit and wild birds. The amendment does not authorize keeping or slaughtering of livestock for agricultural production; it focuses on processing and packaging functions.

Staff described the zoning approach: wild-game processing facilities are proposed as an industrial use permitted with approval of a special permit on parcels up to 4 acres located in the Industrial Park and Industrial General zoning districts. Facilities on parcels larger than 4 acres would require approval of a special exception in Agriculture, Village, Industrial Park and Industrial General zoning districts. The amendment also proposed additional performance and operational standards for this use category.

David Gibson of the Marshall District, a speaker in favor of the amendment, told the board he submitted a letter of support and emphasized the economic importance of hunting and processing to Virginia and rural incomes. Gibson said processors are critical for managing chronic wasting disease by providing collection points for carcasses and monitoring; he told the board chronic wasting disease detections have increased in the state and noted eight cases in Fauquier County cited in his remarks.

Supporters argued the amendment will help preserve rural hunting economies and provide infrastructure for a seasonal but important industry that has lost processing capacity in recent years. The planning commission held a work session and a public hearing earlier and unanimously recommended adoption of the amendment.

The board adopted the zoning text amendment; the motion and second were made and the chair called for the aye votes. The transcript records the motion carried.

Ending: With the ordinance adopted, staff will proceed with implementation steps to define permitting processes and applicable operational standards for wild-game processing facilities and to notify affected stakeholders about the new use category.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fauquier County Board of Supervisors- Regular Meeting March 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board adopted Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 24-01937 to define and permit wild-game processing facilities (abattoirs) with special permits or special exceptions depending on parcel size and zoning; supporters said the change will help hunters, farmers and disease monitoring.","taxTitle","Fauquier County, Virginia","taxId",30850,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6276184,"Fauquier supervisors decline to authorize public hearing for Summer Sweet Energy Center siting agreement",969,586000,1555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78&start=586&end=1555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78/thumbnail_586000.jpg","/articles/6276184/Fauquier-County/Virginia/Fauquier-supervisors-decline-to-authorize-public-hearing-for-Summer-Sweet-Energy-Center-siting-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276184-01f8c33892aea358ff130ac5e8cd6ed5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188324&Signature=I9V6je5fDMLjR9iCD4NF7NMeNli-fon2J-rLL3hlovl-ndQqD0XNnWdxXfJpGgjnxr1BLzUSZ026fNbhQ5ZNDh3HC7~BgboQESm86xbNaPPHkGejxHgB5WC5uKaWGOYUlE8wSpumQqhgfdVKwa8zx6qOvzUWB8PGw1rYrd3fJzx7~Y~OMnZaPrHS1xaNYa18KZgO5Vl~WbzKpFmZpXFx-g1sQMUs7He4qEZpo1xUpkZo93ZOCBvIm7GjmiiDOl0BFPSJFJDSJMg6K6TCdjJEkzZPLTCsSiA4REmOwZBFsIubfhOGp3WyH~sifdn32QIApHZmoj9Spp3h8ASKY9QiLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors voted to withhold authorization for a public hearing on a proposed siting (signing) agreement with Summer Sweet Energy Center LLC, a proposed battery energy storage project, after supervisors cited concerns about the project’s proximity to an elementary school and urged more public engagement and clarity on landowner compliance.

Chris Meyer, speaking for the project proponent, asked the board to proceed with a signing agreement that he said would deliver community benefits such as donations to local schools and the fire station. Meyer said the company had conducted community outreach — letters to the village of Morrisville and two community meetings with roughly 15 attendees, additional informational sessions for volunteer fire staff, and direct outreach to nearby property owners — and acknowledged that the landowner had not been in compliance with zoning earlier. \"I again acknowledge I erred in this and should have moved quicker to force the land owner to get that resolved. My apologies,\" Meyer said, and offered to coordinate a permitting and public hearing process so the fire chief, county staff and the public could review benefits proposed in the signing agreement.

Several supervisors said they supported battery storage in appropriate locations but had reservations about the proposed site. One supervisor cited unease with placing a first-of-its-kind project next to an elementary school and moved that the board not authorize a public hearing on the siting agreement; other supervisors agreed and the motion to deny authorization carried.

County staff reminded the board that the planning commission had voted 4–1 in November to find the special-exception application not consistent with the comprehensive plan and to recommend denial of the special exception. Supervisors said they wanted to see a clearer demonstration that the site is appropriate before discussing costs or community benefits. There was no roll-call vote recorded in the transcript; the chair called for aye votes and the motion carried.

Meyer acknowledged missteps in timing and compliance and offered to work with county staff to schedule a public hearing at a later date when technical answers and public-safety questions could be addressed by the fire chief and fire marshal.

Ending: The board declined to authorize a public hearing at this meeting; the company representative said he would return when compliance, public outreach and technical responses could be aligned.","Board voted to deny authorization for a public hearing on a proposed siting/signing agreement for the Summer Sweet Energy Center after supervisors raised safety and siting concerns and a company representative sought more time and community engagement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6276189,"Fauquier supervisors adopt stormwater ordinance amendment after residents describe years of dumping at Hawkins site",2308,107000,2415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78&start=107&end=2415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2660883-16217b0341391075707a99dff924dd78/thumbnail_107000.jpg","/articles/6276189/Fauquier-County/Virginia/Fauquier-supervisors-adopt-stormwater-ordinance-amendment-after-residents-describe-years-of-dumping-at-Hawkins-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6276189-7aedd86dda5874f0698050810988d6e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188324&Signature=D7cszv17LJyOOAfpnkHdcNkyQQCrnfqDP6RlD0ID64HztiA8AwoZtbbJVMtNKaZDqe7TBAVpOm3ggIlJuxe1P92kvJ7udfL93Cad3vWNctDM3OR3NdNWaHo~MoFNw~uX4ThdyP-0lJvWauwW7kP0uYXFkbtBxkgGrsGxQzlaYmkBJ-rtuIK8CAK55xFw4HdYoA71cCvmijq19CfFo4afJt-uPbUQ~FetPkhR4HgxpssnEOsEDytJwVqJGhaMZgUwCSKyFaVZXu7iq3FHTc7B7zhF~Tz3s32T6y4~dX2kOHVqvtMb~57JRQW7cHDblctctB44grJ9AEvUwiHWyyslOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt an amendment to Chapter 11 of the Fauquier County Code to incorporate Virginia Department of Environmental Quality guidance on agricultural exemptions to erosion and stormwater permitting after multiple residents described years of heavy truck traffic and dumping behind homes near Brenttown Road.

The change, adopted after a public hearing, updates local stormwater and erosion-management rules to match DEQ’s interpretation of which agricultural activities are exempt from permitting. County staff said the amendment provides consistent standards; residents and supervisors said enforcement and additional authority from the state remain the pressing issues.

Several residents from the Cedar Run and Midland magisterial districts testified that imported fill, frequent dump-truck traffic and new unpermitted roadway construction have damaged local roads, threatened safety and altered wetlands. Anita Burke said her family bought its land “25 years ago” and has endured “sheer hell” the “last eight years,” describing trucks running from about 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and leaving rock, mud and debris on Brenttown Road. Morgan Price said she and her husband returned from a honeymoon to find “a brand new double lane road built approximately 50 yards behind our house” and said a July 25, 2024 court order by “Judge Plowman” had instructed a halt to dumping; Price described renewed activity after that date and said the operation had “permanently damaged” her home’s value.

Jennifer Rainwater, who said she and neighbors have worked for adoption of stronger rules, told the board that what is being called “terracing” at the site often consists of imported asphalt, concrete, wire and construction debris “dumped under an agricultural ruse.” Patricia Hupp described what she called a lack of transparency about permits and enforcement, saying she had spent years in court, that “300 trucks” move through some days, and that material has been dumped at heights she estimated at “22 feet” above her property line. Duane Long told the board the situation had persisted for “seven and eight years” and urged the county to improve enforcement.

Board members who spoke acknowledged the frustration of residents and said the ordinance change is only a partial response. Supervisor Gerhard said the county’s authority is constrained by state law and praised recent progress with the General Assembly; he and other supervisors said Fauquier will work with state legislators to seek stronger enforcement tools, including increased civil penalties and clearer criminal remedies. Supervisor Riehl said the ordinance adoption was “one step” and urged continued legislative action.

The board adopted the ordinance after the public hearing. County staff described the amendment as incorporating DEQ guidance to clarify which land-disturbing activities tied to agriculture require permitting; the text change was identified in meeting materials as “text 240-2368” to amend the county’s erosion and stormwater chapter.

Residents urged additional immediate steps: targeted inspections, a public county website listing major permits and enforcement contacts, and a local enforcement protocol that coordinates with VDOT and state agencies. Several speakers said they had contacted DEQ, the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers and state police without seeing timely enforcement action.

The board’s recorded motion and the formal vote to adopt the Chapter 11 amendment were entered on the record during the meeting; specific roll-call tallies were not read into the transcript. Supervisors said they would continue outreach to the legislature and seek ways to strengthen local enforcement authority.

The board also noted — in a separate closed-session item recorded at the start of the meeting — that it met under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act exception for legal consultation (Va. Code § 2.2-3711) to discuss pending litigation involving the Hawkins matter and related settlement negotiations.

Residents and supervisors said follow-up steps will include improved public notices of major earth-moving activities, coordination with VDOT on damaged roads, and pursuit of statutory changes at the state level to increase local enforcement powers.

Ending: Board staff said they will publish the adopted ordinance text to the county website and continue outreach to affected residents; supervisors reiterated an intention to seek stronger state-level enforcement authority in the coming legislative cycle.","Residents testified to years of heavy truck traffic, road damage and alleged illegal importation of fill at a property tied to Michael Hawkins; the Board adopted an amendment to the county’s erosion and stormwater ordinance aligning local rules with recent DEQ guidance and said it will press the General Assembly for stronger enforcement tools.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fauquier supervisors adopt zoning amendment to allow wild-game processing (abattoirs) with special permits

Fauquier supervisors decline to authorize public hearing for Summer Sweet Energy Center siting agreement

Fauquier supervisors adopt stormwater ordinance amendment after residents describe years of dumping at Hawkins site