I tried to email three contacts found on the DEQ website two weeks ago & I have received no response. I post my comments here now, but not the questions I posed as I realize this is not the place to have my questions answered; I have yet to find that place.

Protect AND ENHANCE public health first above all else. Protect environmental quality and environmental resources to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of all Virginians. 

Please consider unique regulations regarding quantity and run time of data center generators.

• The emergency generator allowance should not be broadened to include planned outage events.
  • This could lead to significant health & environmental impacts (consider air quality for humans and wildlife; noise for humans, pets, birds migrations & honeybees especially)  as well as a slippery slope regarding demand response during periods of grid stress, which is not their intended use.
• If DEQ chooses to make this change, it should incorporate strict limitations, regulations, and consequences including:
  • Not allowing Tier II generators to be run for planned outages near “sensitive receptors” (e.g., schools, hospitals, parks, trails and residential areas)
  • Adjoining AND NEARBY properties should be given substantial notice about where and when these generators will be running and for how long.
  • Each site where emergency generators are running should be inspected daily to monitor fuel usage and should be equipped with air quality monitoring for the duration of their usage.