Planning commission supports transfer of Lucketts wastewater plant to Loudoun Water, adds screening conditions

The Planning Commission voted to approve the commission permit and to forward a special exception and minor special exception for the Lucketts wastewater treatment facility to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval. The action follows staff findings that the proposal is consistent with county policy and includes conditions to improve screening around existing mechanical components.

What the application does: The county-initiated application (LEHI 2020-419) would transfer a community wastewater system, originally built as an accessory use for Lucketts Elementary School, into the ownership of Loudoun Water. The service area identified in the commission permit is limited to four public facilities: Lucketts Elementary School, Lucketts Community Center, the Lucketts Volunteer Fire Department (old Station 10) and the new Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Station 10. The applicant also requested a minor special exception to reduce the required Type C buffer from 25 feet to 10 feet and to modify screening requirements.

Staff recommendation and conditions: Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: increase the height of the fence around the mechanical yard to 8 feet; require 95% opaque black privacy slats on the internal mechanical-yard fencing; and provide modified Type C buffer screening. Christian Maldonado (DPZ staff) and applicant representatives said no new buildings were proposed and Loudoun Water already operates the plant under a service agreement with the county.

Applicant presentation and public comment: Bill Junda (civil engineer, Gordon) described the existing plant, noting most treatment equipment is enclosed and that outdoor mechanical equipment is limited to a backup generator, air handling and an odor-control unit on the eastern façade. Junda said Loudoun Water will assume ownership and operation, including any future technology upgrades and maintenance. No public speakers signed up at the hearing.

Motion and outcome: Vice Chair Miller moved and Commissioner Myers seconded a motion to approve the commission permit and forward the special exceptions to the Board of Supervisors with the proposed conditions. The commission voted in favor; the motion carried (commission recorded ayes; the item will be advertised for the Board of Supervisors public hearing).

Quote: “Loudoun Water already operates through a service agreement with Loudoun County Public Schools to maintain this facility,” applicant Bill Junda said, noting that Loudoun Water will assume ownership to ensure long-term operations and upgrades.

What’s next: Staff recommended the item be double-advertised for the Board of Supervisors public hearing (anticipated June 11). Conditions focus on improved screening and fencing to address the facility’s visibility and equipment located outdoors.