Groups Seek Environmental Study For Power Line Project Affecting Manassas Battlefield

MANASSAS, VA — Numerous conversation groups are raising concerns about power line upgrades affecting Manassas National Battlefield Park and want a full environmental review.

In a letter to the National Park Service Acting Director Jessica Bowron, 12 organizations shared their worries about Dominion Energy's proposed right-of-way expansions through Manassas Battlefield Park. The national park is the preserved site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas/Bull Run in the Civil War.

The organizations say the work is tied to Dominion Energy's Morrisville to Wishing Star transmission line corridor. The current power lines run along two miles of National Park Service lane on the western boundary of Manassas National Battlefield Park, and a right-of-way expansion would affect 25 acres of National Park Service land.

The groups are calling for an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act as well as a National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 to analyze potential impacts to cultural, historic and environmental resources. In addition, the organizations want public input to be part of the early process.

"A majority of Dominion’s preferred alternative would cross-cut existing forest, resulting in nearly 20 acres of land clearing in a currently forested area," the organizations wrote. "The project will negatively impact the park’s trail network and a parking area. Moreover, increasing the transmission infrastructure in the park will negatively impact the viewshed throughout the park and the overall visitor experience near the project."

The letter was signed by officials from the National Parks Conservation Association, American Battlefield Trust, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Prince William Conservation Alliance, Prince William Wildflower Society, Southern Environmental Law Center, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Piedmont Environmental Council, Preservation Virginia, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Virginia Native Plant Society and National Trust for Historic Preservation.

According to Dominion Energy's project website, the Morrisville–Wishing Star project will provide upgrades in Fauquier, Prince William, and Loudoun counties. It includes installing a new transmission line on or near 36.5 existing right-of-way, adding a new transmission line in Fauquier County and expanding the Morrisville Substation. Dominion Energy says the upgrades "will strengthen our electric grid, improve efficiency, and ensure continued reliability."

Dominion Energy's project website has an interactive map to show how proposed power lines will look and to share comments.