Grading work is set to begin on Google’s planned data center campus in Botetourt County after the company received a Land Disturbance Permit from the county.
According to an Aug. 28 county announcement, Google has satisfied the requirements for the permit, allowing the company to begin phased grading work on the 312-acre site inside the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.
The county said work requiring additional state or federal environmental permits will continue to be reviewed by the appropriate agencies. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will oversee several environmental permits associated with the project.
No wetlands will be disturbed as part of the project, according to the county. Temporary access across wetlands may be provided using military-style “dry support bridges” to allow construction activities without impacting the wetlands.
The Land Disturbance Permit also requires erosion and sediment control and stormwater management measures intended to manage runoff and reduce the potential for sediment leaving the construction site.
Intermittent blasting is expected during site preparation. The blasting will be regulated by the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, which will review blasting plans and must be notified before each blast.
The county said the frequency of blasting will depend on construction needs and site conditions.
Construction and other noise-generating activities will be prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. under the county’s regulations.
The county’s noise ordinance also generally prohibits clearly audible noise at 50 feet from the property line after construction is complete. The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for enforcing the county’s noise ordinance.
Google has committed to conducting on-site sound monitoring during both construction and ongoing operations, according to the county.
The county said it will continue providing updates as additional county-regulated plans and permits associated with the project are reviewed and approved.
Additional project information and available documents can be found at bocodatacenter.com.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
