By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – A new report commissioned by the Southern Environmental Law Center claims Dominion Energy’s plan to expand gas generation at its Chesterfield site could cause 80 premature deaths across Virginia over the next 36 years.
The report also estimates nearly $965 million in economic damages tied to those deaths, compared with the $213 million in benefits Dominion projects from the plant.
The study, Disproportionate Impacts of Proposed Emissions from the Chesterfield Gas Plant, was done by University of Illinois researcher Christopher Tessum.
Tessum looked at how fine particle pollution, called PM 2.5, would spread. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these fine particles come from sources such as power plants and industrial emissions and are small enough to enter deep into the lungs or bloodstream, where they can contribute to heart and lung disease and early death.
The analysis found that black or African American residents in Virginia would face the highest risks, with a likelihood of dying from added pollution about 150% higher than the statewide average.
People living closest to the site, including Chesterfield and nearby fenceline communities, would face risks about 75% higher than average.
Hopewell, the city closest to the proposed plant, would see the worst local impact, with nearly one additional death for every 100,000 residents each year.
Richmond and surrounding areas would account for about 32 deaths, the Virginia Beach and Norfolk region for 24, Chesterfield County for 13, and Petersburg for seven.
Dominion Energy has said the project would provide reliable backup power and support Virginia’s growing energy needs. The company did not respond to a request for comment on the report.
According to Dominion, the Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center would serve as a backup generation site during times of peak demand. The company describes it as an “always-ready” facility that could start up within 10 minutes to meet short-term energy needs on the hottest and coldest days of the year.
Dominion’s project page says the $4.5 billion plan includes four natural gas-powered turbines and a seven-day supply of fuel oil. Construction could begin in 2026, with operations expected in 2029. The utility estimates the project would create about 955 temporary construction jobs and 55 permanent ones, along with $252.9 million in economic activity.
The study argues that most of the projected deaths would occur within about 65 miles, roughly the driving distance from Chesterfield to Fredericksburg.
The Department of Environmental Quality is still reviewing Dominion’s permit application, and residents can submit public comments until Oct. 23.