Reverend Lisa Sykes told the Planning Commission on Nov. 20 she supports the Technology Overlay District work but urged clearer, enforceable protections for the county’s groundwater supply. Sykes said the current draft TOD ordinance requires connection to public water but does not explicitly prohibit new wells or groundwater extraction for industrial uses or cooling, and that the term “reuse” is undefined and could be interpreted to allow reuse of groundwater pumped from aquifers.

“Regulating water usage in the TOD by a plan of development is insufficient,” Sykes said, arguing the ordinance language must clearly require that all water and all reused water for the TOD originate from the county’s public water system and explicitly prohibit new wells for industrial processes. She added that about 85% of Goochland County is served by private wells, which increases the potential local impact of any groundwater withdrawals.

Staff (Ms. Sherry) and commissioners acknowledged the concern; Ms. Sherry’s director’s report also listed upcoming public hearings and community meetings related to planning and zoning and noted that hearings are livestreamed and recorded for later viewing. No formal action on the TOD was taken at this meeting; Sykes’s remarks were part of the citizen comment period and were recorded for commission consideration as the ordinance drafting continues.