Join

Power plant purchase best option, officials say

County Executive Tony Griffin helps to field questions during the informational meeting (Eric Spiegel)

By Eric Spiegel
For PotomacLocal.com

Lorton, Va. –– The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Supervisor Gerry Hyland hosted the third of three informational sessions on Thursday night regarding the county’s plan to purchase a waste-to-energy facility in Lorton, currently owned and operated by energy company Covanta.

A mixture of county residents, members of the county’s public works department and representatives from Covanta attended the session.  The meeting was held to share information about the waste-to-energy facility; how it works, its contractual and financial workings with the county, and the county’s purchase proposal.

More to the Story: Fairfax County has leased the facility to Covanta for 30 years.

“It is a core function of a government to manage the trash,” Hyland said. “Purchasing this waste-to-energy plant would allow Fairfax County to have more control over its waste management than before.”

Following Hyland was a presentation by Charlie Forbes, the Assistant Director for the Division of Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery.  As he explained, the facility burns solid waste to create steam from boilers that rotate turbines that generate electricity.  That generated electricity is sold back to Dominion Virginia Power with a portion of that money returning to the county.

The presentation then focused on the research done by both the county staff and various consulting groups to project the cost of three options that the county has for the facility: do nothing and let the current lease expire, continue to rent the facility, or to purchase the facility.  Officials say the county’s best option, over time, is to purchase the facility.

After the presentation was a Question and Answer session, where a variety of questions and concerns were raised.  Of these were questions requesting to clarify details of the cost and how it was calculated; whether Covanta is the best company to run the facility and what would happen if another company ran the facility; and any potentially detrimental effects for the surrounding Lorton.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will next hold a public hearing to consider the purchase option for the waste-to-energy facility.  This meeting will be held on February 22 at the Government Center.

Author

Recent Stories

As Stafford County leaders push forward with plans for a Western Road Network to relieve congestion west of Interstate 95, tensions continue to rise over the future of a proposed Rappahannock River crossing.

Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega has issued a directive to widen Route 28 from four to six lanes between the Manassas City Line and the Fairfax County Line, marking a significant shift in the county’s approach to alleviating traffic congestion.

The Fredericksburg Food Co-op is gearing up for its annual Food for All 5K, a community-driven event aimed at increasing access to fresh, nutritious food for individuals and families in need.

A Manassas man is in custody facing multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour.

McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.

This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.

The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

A Night on the Riviera

Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!

Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list