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.
Recent Stories
Abigail Huser, a life science teacher and department lead at Metz Middle School, has been named Manassas City Public Schools’ 2025 Washington Post Teacher of the Year.
Rock Hill Church Road is open to traffic once again after bridge maintenance wrapped up ahead of schedule.
With the Virginia Department of Transportation considering upgrading the intersection of LaFayette Boulevard and Kenmore Avenue, some nearby business owners say they wish police would crack down on bad drivers instead of reconfiguring the streets.
![[Photo: FredNats]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/frednats-1.jpeg)
The Fredericksburg Nationals are here to stay — but under new ownership. Now we want to know how you feel about the future of baseball in our city.
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., you’re invited.
Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.
This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind ‘90s classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
