Chesapeake Residents Oppose Proposed Natural Gas Facility

Community Concerns Over Proposed Natural Gas Facility

Chesapeake residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed natural gas compressor station, citing safety, air pollution, and noise concerns. The facility is planned for an existing site along South Military Highway and Bainbridge Boulevard, intersecting two interstate pipelines. Residents, particularly from majority-Black neighborhoods like Crestwood and Eva Gardens, argue that the project disproportionately affects their communities. Charles Carrington of the Chesapeake NAACP stated, “There are several different other sites that have been presented that will be more viable away from communities, away from people’s houses, away from schools, away from our children playing.”

Virginia Natural Gas asserts that the $90 million project is necessary to meet rising energy demand, accommodating thousands of new customers annually. The company plans to build the compressor station to maintain gas pressure and flow, especially during peak demand periods. However, residents remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for alternative locations that do not impact residential areas.

City Council’s Role

In August 2025, Chesapeake City Council approved the request from Virginia Natural Gas to build the compressor station, reversing their previous denial. This decision has intensified community opposition, with residents now turning to state authorities to halt the project. A public hearing at the Chesapeake Conference Center saw over 100 attendees, with many expressing their concerns about the facility’s potential impact on their neighborhoods.

Next Steps

The debate continues as residents and local officials seek a resolution that balances energy needs with community well-being. The outcome of this ongoing discussion will significantly influence Chesapeake’s environmental and social landscape in the coming years.

Sources

• Chesapeake residents continue to fight proposed natural gas facility