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Residents oppose permanent Dominion Energy substation; board defers decision
Summary
After residents raised safety, noise and water concerns about a proposed permanent Dominion Energy substation in the Stevensville District, King and Queen County supervisors agreed June 10 to defer action and asked Dominion to work with neighbors on buffers and stormwater issues.
The King and Queen County Board of Supervisors on June 10 deferred action on a request from Dominion Energy Virginia to construct a new permanent electrical substation at the intersection of The Trail and Carlton Corner Road in the Stevensville District after multiple nearby residents raised concerns about safety, noise and stormwater.
Donna Sprouse, the county’s Director of Community Development, summarized staff review and noted the Planning Commission had recommended approval with conditions. Dominion Energy staff presented a site plan and timeline. Neighbors including Vanessa Porter, an adjoining property owner, and Jerone Davis told the board they were surprised a temporary station was proposed to become permanent and urged the board to protect adjacent properties.
Porter asked the board to “please not vote in favor of the project,” citing worries about safety, a persistent noise "hum," insufficient tree buffers in winter and potential restrictions on future improvements to her property. Davis said he had been told previously there was no hum but that "there is a definite hum." Another neighbor, Ann Marie Voight, asked the board to limit construction traffic to Route 14 rather than secondary roads.
Board members acknowledged the county’s need for reliable electrical service but emphasized Dominion should work with affected families. Ms. Billups pressed Dominion on screening and fencing and raised the cost-benefit of noise mitigation measures; Mr. Berry asked Dominion to address the concerns raised by the Davis and Porter families. The board reached a consensus to defer formal action to allow staff and Dominion to pursue buffers, stormwater management and additional outreach with residents.
No formal vote on the applications was recorded at the meeting; board members said they wanted further work with the utility and neighbors before any approval.
