Microsoft Data Center Project Raises Transparency Concerns in Bristow

A proposed Microsoft data center campus in Bristow, Virginia has raised transparency concerns among residents due to a lack of detailed information about the project. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) published an environmental impact review public notice on July 13, which initiated a public comment period lasting from July 13 through August 7.

The notice outlines potential watershed impacts of the proposed tech hub at 13490 University Boulevard, but does not specify that six data centers are planned for the site. According to the DEQ, the project includes construction of two one-story buildings that will store multiple storage servers, an on-site electrical substation, water storage facility, and detention ponds.

Resident Elizabeth Martorana expressed concern that the DEQ notice does not accurately represent the scope of the project. The county's online mapper shows six potential buildings planned for the property, but the notice only mentions two one-story buildings and a substation.