Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dominion seeks 20‑foot security fence at Clifton substation; town given application for comment
Summary
Dominion Energy has applied to amend a Fairfax County special exception to install a 20‑foot galvanized fence around its Clifton Substation, citing FERC/NERC physical‑security guidance; the Planning Commission forwarded the application and the town council reviewed the materials, raising questions about visibility, materials, and construction impacts.
Dominion Energy has filed a Special Exception Amendment proposing a 20‑foot security fence around its Clifton Substation at 12895 Clifton Creek Drive, according to application materials included with the Clifton Town Council packet.
The application, prepared by Burns & McDonnell, describes the proposed enclosure as a light‑gray galvanized fence 20 feet high with 25‑foot posts placed about every 200 linear feet and says the fence would surround the substation’s 7.75‑acre compound within a 95.11‑acre parcel. The filing states the substation carries 230 kV and 500 kV transmission lines and classifies the site as critical infrastructure the company wants to better deter and delay intrusions.
The statement of justification cites federal direction and industry standards on physical security, noting a 2014 FERC release and NERC guidance. The application quotes the FERC statement saying “a major interruption in service could have devastating effects on our nation's citizens and economy,” and frames taller fencing as a measure to reduce line‑of‑sight exposure to critical equipment.
The Planning Commission and town materials included technical and procedural details: the application references zoning and Code of Virginia review requirements (including §15.2‑2232), a line‑of‑sight analysis supporting a 20‑foot height, and an estimated four‑to‑six‑month construction window during which temporary nighttime security lighting could be used. The filing says no permanent employees would be assigned to the site and that Dominion personnel typically visit once or twice a month for inspection and maintenance.
At the Sept. 4 council meeting, Councilmember Melissa Milne presented Dominion’s written answers to questions raised by the Planning Commission. Council members and the Planning Commission materials asked whether the height is necessary given existing wire fencing and barbed wire, whether the fence would be visible from nearby property (especially after leaf‑off), whether alternative colors or materials could reduce visual impact, whether construction would require tree removal, whether additional lighting would be included, and whether the fence would enclose only the 7.75‑acre compound or a larger area.
The application package will be considered at upcoming Fairfax County review and public hearings; the Planning Commission noted it would raise local questions at a Sept. 11 county working meeting and that the county’s tentative Planning Commission hearing was scheduled for Oct. 4, 2018. The town council received the application materials for information and to prepare any comments for the county process.
