HRSD sought public input on three alternative siting options for the Tabb PRS and Offline Storage Facility on the parcel HRSD owns. Those were identified as Alternative 1 (closest to Victory Boulevard), Alternative 2 (on the western edge of the Dominion Power right-of-way) and Alternative 3 (closest to Tabb High School).

An online presentation describing the project was posted on August 27, 2021, and comments were received via email from people who viewed that information through September 17, 2021. HRSD also hosted an in-person open house at Tabb High School on September 9, 2021, where people could view displays and talk to HRSD staff and consultants about the project, ask questions, and leave written comments.

HRSD received five (5) emailed comments (four prior to the in-person meeting and one after the meeting) and 25 written comments at the meeting. All comments can be read here (identifying information redacted).

Comments received indicate Alternative 2 is the preferred alternative, with Alternative 3 a close second. Alternative 1 was only supported by one individual. As a result, HRSD will proceed with detailed design at the Alternative 2 location.

Based on the written and verbal feedback received during the in-person meeting, there were several basic themes identified:

1. Project should be moved to another location
   • Background: HRSD performed a siting analysis several years ago that identified the general vicinity of the intersection of Big Bethel Road and Victory Boulevard as the best site due to existing HRSD piping configuration. When the owner of the property that HRSD ultimately purchased decided to sell (and at a reasonable price), HRSD moved forward with the purchase. The property seemed ideal, not only due to its location in proximity to existing pipes, but also because it did not appear to be an area that was suitable or desirable for other development:  it sits behind an existing fire station and a high school, it is encumbered with large Dominion Power overhead transmission towers and power lines, and it is buffered from the nearest residential area by a densely wooded area.
   • Action in response to comment: HRSD performed a current siting analysis and identified three other vacant parcels within a one-mile radius that met the required minimum acreage for the project (7.5 acres). All three of the identified sites were residentially zoned and would not eliminate impacts to nearby residents.  Excessive piping installation would also be needed to connect to the existing HRSD pipe network, including construction along Victory Boulevard and within the intersection of Big Bethel Road and Victory Boulevard. Based on this analysis, there are no other sites within a one-mile radius of the existing site that would be more suitable.
2. Preserve as many trees as possible
   • Background: Two construction alternatives were presented, an option where the tanks are partially buried and a second where the tanks are fully above ground. The partially buried option requires additional clearing for a larger excavation, requiring the removal of many more trees, regardless of the specific location of the tanks on the property. The number of comments related to minimizing impact to trees outnumbered the comments supporting burying the tanks three to one.
   • Action in response to comment: The tanks will be designed as above ground and minimizing the number of trees removed will be a priority during design and construction. Additional native plantings will be added to the existing wooded area to increase the density of visual screening.
3. Property values will be negatively impacted by this project
   • Background: HRSD has not found evidence of property value impact due to the location of HRSD facilities. The relocation of a major pump station in Hampton in a residential neighborhood did not impact the values of the properties near the relocated pump station. In Norfolk, HRSD was able to sell property adjacent to a newly reconstructed pump station to private builders that were able to renovate and sell those properties at prevailing market values – no impact due to HRSD facilities being immediately adjacent.
   • Action in response to comment: The three residential properties that abut the HRSD- owned parcel will experience some construction related disturbance (noise, dust, etc.) and may be able to see the tanks through the trees during winter months. HRSD will compensate these property owners for those disruptions.

There were several detailed comments about design features, drainage, safety, and odor control that are addressed in the FAQs on the project website. Several comments were related to project communications. HRSD is committed to maintaining an updated project web page with latest design and construction information for the duration of the project. If you wish to receive an email alert when the project website is updated, please subscribe at www.hrsd.com/subscriptions.