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Board approves Dominion Energy provisional use permit for solar array on closed landfill
Summary
The Henrico Board approved a provisional use permit allowing Dominion Energy to install solar arrays on part of the closed 9‑Mile (Springfield) landfill; staff said the 16‑acre array area is consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and recommended conditions including decommissioning plans.
The Henrico County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 2 to approve a provisional use permit and a staff resolution finding that a Dominion Energy solar facility on the former 9‑Mile (Springfield) landfill is substantially in accord with the county’s 2026 comprehensive plan.
What was proposed: The site is about 57.7 acres; the utility proposes placing solar arrays within roughly 16 acres of the larger property. Staff told the board the comprehensive‑plan designation for the site (government and environmental protection uses) accommodates public utilities and that the arrays would provide electricity to the grid while leaving much of the site’s environmental character intact. Staff recommended 13 conditions, including submission and approval of a development plan and a decommissioning plan.
Board action: Supervisor Nelson moved approval of PUP2025‑102122 (Dominion Energy Southeast) with the staff’s recommended conditions; Mr. Cooper seconded the motion and the board carried it. The planning commission had recommended approval on Nov. 13.
Why it matters: The decision permits repurposing a closed landfill for renewable energy generation and establishes permit conditions aimed at protecting surrounding uses and ensuring future decommissioning. Staff noted the arrays and associated ponds and access points will be subject to plan‑of‑development review and siting conditions.
Next steps: The applicant must follow the conditions set by the board, file required plans and proceed through any additional reviews before construction or grid interconnection.
