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Residents flag low‑altitude mapping flights; county commissions ask Dominion Energy for explanation
Summary
A resident's observation that low‑altitude aircraft were conducting LIDAR mapping over Madison County prompted the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to request information from Dominion Energy and related parties about the flights and any transmission plans. The Planning Commission recommended the Board seek details; the Board asked the
A Madison County resident’s account of low‑altitude laser mapping flights over the county prompted both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to request information from Dominion Energy about the flights and any planned transmission projects.
At the Planning Commission meeting, James Alexander told commissioners he had tracked aircraft using ADS‑B and said a contractor named Randigo had performed lidar mapping runs at unusually low altitude. Alexander described the lidar runs as high‑resolution mapping, saying "This plane was coming very low," and explained that at the recorded altitudes the flights would produce very fine three‑dimensional mapping suitable for transmission‑line siting.
Virginia statutory authority was cited in public remarks. Alexander noted Virginia Code § 15.2‑2202(e), which he read as giving local planning bodies and the board authority to request information from electric utilities about proposed transmission‑line construction, and urged officials to use that authority to get a formal explanation and the plans, if any.
Planning Commission and Board actions: The Planning Commission moved and voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors request that Dominion Energy provide information and the reasons for the mapping activity. The Board later voted to direct county staff — the county administrator and county counsel — to prepare and send a formal request to Dominion Energy seeking details of the flights, the contractor that performed the mapping, and whether there are any proposed transmission lines or related projects that would affect Madison County.
Why it matters: Commissioners and residents said the mapping could signal an intent to site transmission infrastructure (including new high‑voltage lines) or prepare detailed corridor studies that would affect landowners, environmental review and infrastructure planning. James Alexander pointed to prior experience in 2015 when a proposed transmission route was challenged by the county; he urged a proactive information request so the county is not surprised by later filings with PJM or the State Corporation Commission.
What staff will do: The Board asked county staff to gather and send a list of specific questions to Dominion and to follow up with PJM (the regional transmission organization) to identify any current submittals or planned projects. Board members said they wanted a single point of contact and requested staff return with any responses and recommended next steps.
Ending: The Board and the Planning Commission asked staff to track PJM filings and any Dominion responses and to report back to the board so elected officials can decide whether to pursue additional legal or regulatory steps.
