March 2024

Welcome to the March 2024 edition of the Dulles Direct newsletter! For those with children, I hope you had an enjoyable spring break, and for those like me who celebrate, I wish you a blessed Easter season. The Board has been hard at work on our FY25 budget: I have more information on that below, and I will be emailing a comprehensive report after final adoption in early April.

At the Board’s March 19 Business Meeting, I brought a resolution honoring Sierra Price, our newest Dulles District Eagle Scout from Troop 2970G. It is fitting that we were able to honor our first female Eagle Scout during Women’s History Month, which the Board also recognized. Sierra designed and built three benches around a fire ring at John Champe, where she attends high school, as her final Eagle Scout project. We were proud to honor Sierra’s hard work and dedication before the Board. Congratulations Sierra and family!

Earlier this month I was honored to attend the Celebration of Life for Firefighter Trevor Brown, who died in the line of duty during a house explosion in Sterling. First responders from up and down the East Coast joined residents for the service at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, where we celebrated Trevor’s life and service to his community. I am incredibly grateful to all first responders and emergency personnel for their commitment to keeping us safe. Our community will never forget Trevor’s sacrifice. On a positive note, Brian Diamond – the last firefighter hospitalized from the Sterling incident – returned home to South Riding from the burn unit at the hospital last week. I know that Brian and his family have been uplifted by all the well wishes, especially from their Lunsford community where Brian teaches. I wish Firefighter Diamond all the best during his continued recovery.

I had the chance last week to attend the ribbon cutting for the new Poland Hill Senior Apartments. This project has been a long time coming and was the result of a rezoning approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2015. The Senior Apartments are a component of a larger development off Poland Road on property formerly owned by the Poland family and their neighbors, the Polacheks. I was first approached by the families not long after taking office, and at our very first meeting, we discussed the possibility of doing some age-restricted development, of which we didn’t have any in the Dulles District. This project contains not only the very first age-restricted community in our area, but it also includes apartments which were built utilizing a loan from the County’s Affordable Housing Trust. As a result, rent at these apartments is approachable for seniors on limited incomes. For more information, visit https://www.polandhillapts.com/.

FY25 BUDGET UPDATES

Budget Process Concluded

The Board of Supervisors has finished budget work sessions and will be adopting the final budget on April 2. As I said last month, I’ve been concerned about the level of taxation in light of assessment increases. Ultimately, the Board was able to reduce the property tax rate one full cent, from $.875 to $.865. With one cent of the tax rate equating to about $14.5 million in revenue, it is not easy to make large reductions without significantly impacting services or employee pay. 

This year, the Board received some welcome news late in the General Assembly session with updated budget numbers from the combined House and Senate budget, which increase funding for education. The General Assembly was acting on a study last year which showed that state funding for education is lower in Virginia than it is in most surrounding states, which has placed increased pressure on local governments like ours to make up the difference. 

As a result of the new funding, $19 million beyond what was originally anticipated is in the budget. The Board of Supervisors voted to allocate $10 million to LCPS to close the gap between our initial fiscal guidance and the School Board’s proposed budget request, and to use $9 million to replace County funding and therefore lower the tax rate. Once it became clear there was additional funding, the School Board asked for $5 million in additional budget requests beyond their original requests, but there was no support on the Board for that. I had been clear from the beginning that if additional state funding materialized, it would need to be used in part to lower the tax rate. 

I will provide a complete overview of the County budget in a few weeks, but high level, the biggest expenditures are labor costs. This year, all LCPS personnel are slated to receive a 6.5% pay increase, and non-public safety County staff 7%. Those are high numbers; higher than what we typically see in the private sector. However, the County uses comparator data, combined with analysis of turnover rates and vacancies, and the higher pay scales keep us competitive. On the public safety side, LCSO and LCFR personnel will receive a 12.7% pay increase. This is both in response to a shortage of law enforcement, which is creating a lot of competition and higher salaries, and the expected implementation of a new union contract with IAFF which has been collectively bargained for the past year.  

Of note, we funded 14 additional field deputy positions for the Sheriff’s Office to keep up with increasing workloads. We also funded additional positions in Transportation, Family Services (including Child Protective Services) and many more departments. I will provide a more in-depth breakdown of funded departments and initiatives in my standalone budget report.

As a reminder, the personal property tax rate (which applies to your vehicles) remains at $4.15 per $100 of assessed value. As you’ll recall, the personal property tax rate that applies to your vehicle also applies to computer equipment housed in data centers, which is a major source of revenue for the County. There is currently legislation awaiting the Governor’s signature that would allow us to tax vehicles at a different rate than data center equipment and remove sunset provisions to this allowance; I am hoping it is signed into law so that we can lower the car tax burden while retaining our data center revenue in the County. The Board will be considering future tax rates in the fall, and I am expecting a robust discussion about potentially lowering the tax rate for vehicles. Stay tuned for updates.   

Animal Advisory Committee Opening

The Dulles District position on Loudoun County’s Animal Advisory Committee is currently open and seeking applicants. If you have experience in the field and would like to submit an application, you can do so by clicking here. You should also send me an email to matt.letourneau@loudoun.gov to let me know you are interested. You can find more information on the AAC here. For a full list of vacancies on the County’s boards, commissions, and committees, please click here. I generally try to find individuals who live in the Dulles District for these positions, but I would also be open to someone who is working in the Dulles South area even if they are not a Dulles District resident.  

Congratulations to Captain Earley

Congratulations to Dulles South’s own Captain R.J. Earley on graduating from Professional Executive Leadership School! Cpt. Earley, a 19-year veteran, serves in the LCSO’s Field Operations Division as the Dulles South Station Commander. Previously, Cpt. Earley served as Assistant Station Commander at both the Dulles South and Eastern Loudoun stations. He served as Traffic Safety Section Supervisor, Patrol Supervisor, and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. Cpt. Earley received the Trilogy Award from the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) in 2023.

The PELS program is an intensive three-week leadership education program conducted in cooperation with the University of Richmond. This program is designed for individuals serving in command/executive-level positions within their agencies. 

Goshen Road Paving

Goshen Road is being paved as part of VDOT’s Rural Rustic Road paving program. Crews are currently laying a new base along the length of the roadway to ensure a solid foundation for the new pavement. It is expected to take up to two more weeks for work on the project to be completed, with daily work hours from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Most of the work will be conducted with a flagging operation to alert traffic driving through the area; however, a short-term detour during the final stage of asphalt work may be necessary. If it is determined that a detour is needed, VDOT will develop public notice and I will share that with you. Please exercise caution when driving in the area. 

Northstar Boulevard - Evergreen Mills to Route 50

Work continues on the Northstar Boulevard project from Route 50 to Evergreen Mills Road. The bridge decking for the southbound lane has been successfully installed while the northbound lane bridge deck is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The last water line tie-in just south of the bridge is anticipated to be completed by the end of March, which will allow for additional road work to commence in the area. The design-builder is scheduled to commence paving at Arcola Mills Drive in early April. Various other operations are progressing steadily at both the south and north ends of the project site including earthwork activities, communication utility installation, and stormwater piping installation. 

Braddock Road Projects

Work also continues on the project to widen Braddock Road in the area of Supreme/Summerall Drive to Gum Spring Road. Work in the median areas is ongoing, and grading and installation of the asphalt shared use path on the west side of the Supreme/Summerall Drive intersection is still underway. Crews will start milling and final topping operations to conclude with the signal and final striping. The bases for the traffic signal at the intersection have been installed and it is estimated that the signal should be activated this spring.

Earthwork and utility relocation work continue on the segment closest to Gum Spring Road. Construction crews are expecting to begin curb work in late April, working up to Gum Spring Road. Weather permitting, completion of the full project is expected by mid-summer.

Arcola Boulevard/Arcola Mills Road Project

So far everything is progressing on schedule for improvements on Arcola Mills Drive near the intersection of Arcola Boulevard. Everyone who drives through the area has seen the ongoing detour while crews construct triple box culverts just east of the intersection. The signal foundations are in place and should be ready for poles and mast arm installation soon. Weather permitting, we expect completion and being able to open Arcola Boulevard all the way to Loudoun County Parkway early this summer. As the project progresses we should have a clearer timeline on completion and I will share the date once it has been established.

Loudoun County Parkway/Edgewater Street Signal

Toll Brothers has requested final communications inspection on the signal at Loudoun County Parkway and Edgewater Street. Once passed, striping will be completed and pre-turn on scheduled. They expect to be in flash mode within 4 to 6 weeks with full operation around June 1.

Stone Ridge Section 40 Poised for Approval

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At the Board’s March Public Hearing, we voted to forward the Stone Ridge Section 40 application, a rezoning that would permit 144 dwelling units comprised of 65 single family detached and 79 single family attached, to the April 10 Public Hearing for action. The application would include 18 affordable dwelling units and 6 workforce housing units, as well as a recreation building and active recreation facilities for the Stone Ridge HOA. The Planning Commission issued a recommendation of approval on an 8-0-1 vote, finding that the project was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Loudoun policies. As a reminder, that is the construct by which land use applications are evaluated - and failure to do so will result in legal challenges and quite possibly reversal of the Board’s decision by a court.

As part of the application, the developer would complete missing sidewalk and trail links from Pepperbush Place to Greenstone Drive and along the Greenstone frontage connecting to the existing trail. A new sidewalk will be built along Gum Spring Road from Greenstone to meet the existing trail at Destiny Drive, as well as a trail connection to Kudu Court.

One of my largest outstanding concerns with this application was regarding school capacity, but I have made major progress with the applicant on this issue. The applicant has committed to capping the number of homes that will be built prior to May 2027 at their by-right density allowance of 26. An additional 80 units would be allowed by May 2028. The delay in the construction timeline is designed to allow for HS-14 to open on Red Hill Road. While the School Board does not comment officially prior to school attendance changes, it is likely that the John Champe cluster will see some relief from the opening of HS-14. Currently, the land located directly south of Mercer in this application is actually zoned for Lightridge/Willard, but I think it would be sensible for that to change since the new community will be walkable to Mercer.

I have been actively engaged in reviewing this application for several months, and my meetings with Van Metre on this go back years, dating back to when I made it clear I would not support anything but single family detached homes on the property near Greenstone and Stone Springs. At this point, I think the application has progressed about as far as it can, and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. I know that there isn’t uniform enthusiasm for it in the community, especially in the immediate vicinity, but the Board reacted very positively to it, as it aligns with the Comprehensive Plan and the only outstanding issues from staff at this point are minor policy ones (such as the size of the sidewalk, which will be consistent with the existing sidewalk, but technically smaller than what is in the new zoning ordinance). There are still outstanding questions about what the HOA will choose to do with the property they are receiving in the application, and that will be for the Stone Ridge community to decide - there are options provided in the application for various uses.  

Nevertheless, I can certainly understand why those adjacent to the undeveloped property aren’t thrilled that it is going to be developed. Change is sometimes difficult, and construction can be disruptive. Those aren’t reasons for the Board to deny an application, but I want to make sure that I’m acknowledging them, and also conveying that we will do what we can to help things go smoothly when construction begins. You can certainly feel free to contact me and my office at any time, and we’ll do our best to help. 

The Board will be voting on this application on May 8. That is also the final opportunity to speak to the Board. I will provide an update after the vote.  

Defender Drive Residential – Townhomes or Data Center?

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The Planning Commission has recommended approval of a plan to develop 161 single-family attached homes just south of Defender Drive to the west of East Gate III. The application would rezone the parcel (13.8 acres) from PD-H4 and CR-1 to R-16 Townhouse/Multifamily Residential ADU (R-16 ADU). 21 of the units would be provided as ADUs. This is the second iteration of this application. The first was for 264 homes. The density was extreme for the parcel and I told the applicant I could not support it. They renegotiated with the landowner and came back with the current proposal. 

Most of the parcel is in the Suburban Commercial Place Type, which our 2019 General Plan envisions as being 100% non-residential, so I expect this nonconformity to be raised at the hearing. The property’s zoning was set as part of the original South Riding rezoning in the early 90’s and would allow data center development by-right. I am concerned about data centers being developed at this location. Given the scarcity of by-right data center land, data centers are a lucrative alternative for this development. While I’ve been skeptical that this a realistic parcel for data centers, recent developments (see below) may change that equation. 

Of note, my Planning Commissioner, Commissioner Madireddy, was able to negotiate a $1.2 million contribution for intersection improvements on Route 50 at the PC meeting. The Defender Drive intersection at South Riding Boulevard is already slated for improvements from a different application.  

Belmont Innovation Campus

At the Board’s March 13 Public Hearing, a special exception application to increase data center square footage at the Belmont Innovation Campus in the Ashburn District failed the Board of Supervisors by a 4-5 vote. At the next meeting on March 19, the Board then voted to reconsider the denial and send the application to the April 10 Public Hearing. The reason for reconsideration was that the applicant agreed to reduce their development to only the by-right amount of square footage and also keep all the benefits that were contained in the application overall. This was one of the most heavily publicized votes the Board has taken in some time, and a lot of speakers came to the hearing to share their concerns over data center proliferation in Loudoun and regional power supply issues. I understand those concerns and share them, and I think the Board needs to be examining these applications critically especially given the amount of by-right data center already approved, but there was a lot of misinformation out there on the specific Belmont Innovation application. I voted in favor of the application at the original vote, so I’d like to explain my thought process.

It is important to keep in mind that the options in this instance were not between a data center and no data center. Despite Board denial of the application, the developer can still develop a data center on the parcel by-right, albeit a smaller one. This is because the applicant has existing by-right entitlements to build data centers. By-right developments do not need to make any proffers or environmental commitments, whereas rezoning applicants do.

There were a number of applicant proffers and commitments that I believe made the Belmont Innovation application preferable to the data center developing by-right. First, the applicant significantly reduced the size of the special exception request, and no longer was asking for an increase in floor area ratio (FAR). The special exception request was for a split zoned parcel. County policy explicitly opposes split zoning, and supports applicants rezoning parcels to the dominant zoning district in the entire application. Had the application also included the FAR increase, which would have created a truly massive data center, I likely would have viewed differently the cost-benefit analysis between by-right vs. special exception. The applicant had both a recommendation of approval from the Planning Commission and from County staff, and was presenting an application that was completely consistent with County policy in the recently adopted 2019 General Plan. I was therefore concerned that the Board's action to deny would not be legally defensible should the applicant choose to pursue action to reverse our decision in court, which is their prerogative.

The critical issue for me, and the reason I voted to approve the application, was its location along the Goose Creek. The Board heard from many residents who live in the area and those who are active in Creek preservation, and the strong consensus from them was in favor of the application – because, as I mentioned before, a by-right data center would not be required to protect or buffer either the Creek or the Belmont Ridge Road side of the application. In fact, the Belmont Innovation application was by far the best data center application we’ve ever seen at the Board when it came to environmental protection commitments and proffers. The applicant worked with us every step of the way to mitigate impacts and address Board and community concerns. I share the community’s wishes that the other option was no data center at all, but that wasn’t the case and as such, I believe the Board should have more heavily weighed the Goose Creek protections and other commitments in the rezoning request.

On the adjacent parcels, we’ve already seen by-right tree clearing as close as is legally allowed to the Goose Creek. There also are only basic commitments for noise attenuation and design in by-right data centers, better than they used to be but not even close to what was proffered​ in this rezoning. The application would have not only preserved the Creek buffers, but created public access, a park, water testing, and numerous other environmental commitments that we now will not get.  

It was also somewhat noteworthy to me that the applicant already received power commitments in this location, and thus while I certainly understand that every new project uses up capacity, this one would not be causing new transmission lines – which was one of the main concerns we heard from the community at the hearing.

Given the applicant’s commitments, which went above and beyond every other data center application we’ve received in Loudoun County, I came down in favor of approval. However, I completely understand those who disagree and I think we need to have an intense conversation going forward about where we build data centers and how we supply power to them. Fortunately, we have CPAM and ZOAM processes commencing later this year to study the remaining land in the County and what is appropriate for data center development. With the amount of by-right already approved, we have to pick and choose the places we want to allow development, but it’s a tricky discussion because by-right development doesn’t get us nearly the commitments and proffers that rezoning applications do.

I am hopeful that some of the Goose Creek protections can be salvaged with the reconsidered application. The applicant is seeking to receive their commission permit approval now, which would save them many months, and in return the Board can negotiate some of the protections that were in the original application.  

Tax Year 2024 Personal Property Tax Relief Resolution

At the Board’s March 5 Business Meeting, we voted to allocate personal property tax relief for Loudoun County residents in Tax Year 2024. I’ve written extensively in the past about Virginia’s 1998 Personal Property Tax Relief Act and how the percentage of relief each Loudoun resident receives has decreased over the years as our population exploded, while the actual dollar amount received from the state remained flat after they adopted a fixed reimbursement model in 2006. The County has been advocating for years that PPTR be reworked to allow for funding on a per-population basis. Of course, there’s no appetite for such a change in other jurisdictions where the population has stayed flat and thus so has their percentage of tax relief.

In 2006 when fixed reimbursement was implemented, tax relief for each resident in Loudoun was at about 70%. For Tax Year 2024, that number is all the way down to 28%. While it’s better than nothing, I will continue advocating that the state rework its methods to apply the funding more fairly across Virginia.

Personal property tax relief is automatically provided for any personal use passenger car, motorcycle, pickup, or panel truck having a Department of Motor Vehicles registered gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less on January 1, excluding business vehicles. For qualifying vehicles assessed at $1,000 or less, personal property tax relief will remain at 100%.

Capital Intensity Factor

The Board of Supervisors has been discussing proposed updates to the County’s Capital Intensity Factor (CIF) since last summer. The CIF is a dollar amount that is meant to represent the actual cost of providing capital facilities for each residential unit in the County. The County’s Fiscal Impact Committee reviews the data on student generation and capital facilities standards to determine the impact of each type of residential unit on our capital needs. These facilities are schools, parks, fire stations, and even mental health group homes. Once the impact of each unit is determined, a dollar amount is assigned representing the cost associated with that particular unit and the builders provide a contribution to the County for each unit above the by-right amount that is constructed as a result of a rezoning.

Ideally, we would be updating the CIF every two years with four years being the absolute maximum gap in updates being adopted. However, due to adoption of a new Comprehensive Plan and the pandemic, we haven’t made updates to the CIF since 2017. The time since the last update and changes in the types of facilities that were included led to a pretty steep increase in the new CIFs proposed for adoption by the Board. While the standard CIF for capital facilities increased, the roads CIF had actually decreased: the original contribution amount had not been based on actual costs and was an amount adopted several years ago and carried forward without developing a formula.

The new proposed CIF included nearly 100% increases in some cases. For example, a single family detached home in the Dulles District currently has a contribution of $56,735 to the County. The proposed CIF increases that to $105,800. A single family attached (townhome) in the Dulles District increases from $40,500 to $72,000. The CIF contributions have traditionally been factored into the pro forma on a development and impact the price paid to the underlying property owner (seller) and the price of the home when it is sold into the market. The issue raised by several stakeholders in the market is that the large increases would impact the ability to deliver product in general as well as affordable housing specifically. Perhaps most notably, large CIF contributions could increase by-right development, in which the County receives no proffers at all. Typically, landowners negotiate with developers on price for land, and then the number of units being developed ends up being derived from that equation. 

After discussing this with several groups, I became concerned that we didn’t really know what impact such large increases would have on the market in general and that we should take some time to reflect on the length of time it took the County to develop the new CIF and the fact that the methodology had changed so dramatically. So, I worked with Supervisor Turner of the Ashburn District to propose a phased approach to adopting the new CIF. Ultimately, had we kept a schedule of adopting new standards every two years, the increases would have been a lot easier to absorb over a longer period of time. The phased approach that the Board asked staff to incorporate into the proposal when it returns to us in April will allow applications received in the first year after adoption to be responsible for 60% of the new CIF amount. Applications received in the second year will be responsible for 80% and the number increases again in the third year, reaching 100%. Assuming we adopt new standards in two years as currently scheduled, those amounts would take effect with the third year where we reach the 100% contribution level. I felt that this struck a balance of recognizing the increased costs associated with providing capital facilities to our residents with buffering homebuyers from large increases in fees for capital contributions that could further impact affordability.

Regarding affordability, the new CIF provides lesser amounts for age-restricted units to recognize the lower impact on school facilities in particular. There is also a reduction when smaller units are constructed. Reduced square footage often leads to lower priced homes that have fewer residents and less impact on our capital needs. Hopefully, the allowances encourage a wider range of housing types at various price points to serve more diverse populations in our community. The updated proposal is coming back to the Board for final consideration and adoption at our April 16 Business Meeting.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dulles South Neighborhood Closet Free Clothing Event

The Dulles South Neighborhood Closet will host their next free clothing event on Saturday, April 13 at the Community Baptist Church (43100 Center Street in South Riding). To make an appointment for the event, preregister here by April 8. Guests with a referral have appointment priority. Walk-in guest registration on April 13 opens at 10:00 a.m. Volunteer signup for the event is now open.

The Closet is seeking clothing, shoes, and accessories of all sizes and seasons for men, women, and children. Donations may be new or previously owned (clean and in excellent used condition only). Dulles Close only accepts underwear, swimsuits, and socks that are new. They do not take books, toys, or household items. Sorting and labeling donations by size and gender is appreciated. Tax receipts are available upon request.

Donation dates at Community Baptist Church are as follows:

• April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• April 9, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• April 10, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• April 11, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• April 12, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Loudoun Youth Claude Moore Community Building Program

Applications are open now through April 28 for Loudoun Youth’s 2024-2025 Claude Moore Community Builders program (CMCB). Fifty high school students will be accepted into this 10-month program which connects teens with meaningful volunteer opportunities at local nonprofit organizations.  

Since 2007, with the help of a generous grant from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, CMCB has enabled youth to develop important leadership skills while serving their communities. Last year’s participants represented 17 Loudoun high schools, supported 35 local non-profit organizations, and volunteered more than 3,700 hours. 

The CMCB program, which runs from June-March each year, is open to rising 10th-12th grade Loudoun residents. Individual nonprofit placement opportunities, group service events and professional development trainings take place throughout the County. Students can learn more and apply now at www.loudounyouth.org.

Dulles Airport Job & Career Fair

The Committee for Dulles is pleased to announce that there will be a Dulles Airport Job & Career Fair at Dulles Airport on April 17, 2024. The fair will be open to job seekers from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To download a copy of the event flyer, click here. If you are a Dulles-based employer and would like to participate, please email Scott York to register. If you are a jobseeker, please click here to view the growing list of employers that will be at the fair and/or to register your attendance. All company listings on the registration page are linked to their recruiting webpage.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

There will be a household hazardous waste collection event on Saturday, June 22 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Freedom High School (25450 Riding Center Drive in South Riding).

Here’s some info on what’s accepted at collection events:

• Typical HHW includes: fluorescent light bulbs, dry-cell batteries (alkaline, Ni-Cad, Lithium, rechargeable, etc., but no automobile batteries), oil-based paints and stains, varnish, paint thinner, mineral spirits, metal polish, rust remover, wood strippers and preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, sealants and solvents, bleach, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, pool chemicals, muriatic acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, mercury, mercury thermometers and thermostats, gasoline, expired fuel, auto cleaners and flushes, brake and transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, fire extinguishers, moth balls, flea and tick products, photographic chemicals and other hobby chemicals.
• Anyone who has an item that is not on this list is encouraged to call the county’s Waste Management Division at 703-771-5500 to determine if the item is accepted or if an alternate disposal option is needed.
• HHW should only be brought to the event location on the scheduled date and event time. Please do not drop off material at any unattended site.
• The limit per household is 15 gallons of liquid HHW (container size not to exceed 5-gallon), and 40 pounds of solid HHW (container size not to exceed 5-gallon). 
• Participants should be able to provide proof of Loudoun County residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

What’s not accepted:

• Motor oil, antifreeze, automobile batteries, propane tanks, helium tanks, CO2 tanks and cartridges, drywall compound and oil-based space heaters are not accepted at HHW collection events. These materials are accepted at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility (Loudoun County landfill), 21101 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. Visit loudoun.gov/landfill for more information.
• Ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and gun powder are not accepted at HHW collection events. For information about disposal of these items, contact the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600.
• Electronics are not accepted at HHW collection events. Information on how to properly dispose of unwanted electronics is online at loudoun.gov/electronics.
• Medical waste and medications are not accepted at HHW collection events. Disposal information is available at loudoun.gov/hhw.
• Latex or water-based paint is not hazardous and should be taken to the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility (Loudoun County landfill), Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; fee applies. Visit loudoun.gov/landfill for more information.
• Non-residential hazardous waste is not accepted. Businesses and organizations in Loudoun that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month are encouraged to visit loudoun.gov/bhwp or call 703-771-5500 for information about the county’s Business Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

Because of safety concerns related to the handling of various types of hazardous materials, the events feature a drive-through process in which residents are instructed to remain in their vehicles and allow event staff to unload any items accepted for disposal. To ensure everyone remains in their vehicle while at the point of service, items must not be in sealed or tied plastic bags. Staff are not allowed to open any plastic bag containing HHW.  

For more information about the Loudoun County Household Hazardous Waste Program, call 703-771-5500 or visit loudoun.gov/hhw.

How to Donate to and Support Our Firefighters and First Responders

Many have inquired how they can assist our first responders in Loudoun County. If you would like to donate, please visit the website of our non-profit partner, the Loudoun First Responders Foundation (LFRF) at www.LoudounFRF.org. The Loudoun First Responders Foundation serves Loudoun County by providing immediate financial support to active first responder personnel in their time of need. They are working directly with the families of the firefighters involved in this tragic event and providing direct assistance.  

For community members who wish to donate goods and services, please email LCCFRSdonate@loudoun.gov and staff will reach out to you directly to coordinate. Additionally, many of you have expressed your heartfelt condolences to the family of firefighter Brown and the injured members of LC-CFRS. An email address, LCCFRScondolences@loudoun.gov, has been set up to collect those messages and share them with first responders.

Donations to Local Food Banks

Donations to the Dulles South Food Pantry (DSFP) can be made in person at the pantry at 24757 Arcola Mills Drive on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or on Mondays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., or online. DSFP provides food assistance up to twice a month to any person who resides in the attendance zones for the following high schools: Freedom, John Champe, Lightridge, Independence, Rock Ridge, and Briar Woods. Call 703-507-2795 or email info@dsfp.org to schedule an appointment. See the pantry's website for information on how you can help fight local hunger. The pantry is currently looking for plastic bag donations as well. 

Donations to the Dulles South Soup Kitchen can be made on their website or at their location by appointment. Call (202) 930-3775 or email to make an appointment. The Dulles South Soup Kitchen distributes fresh and nutritious hot meals to anyone in need within Loudoun County every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the StoneSprings Hospital Center parking lot by Route 50. Registration is required on their website.

Blood Donation

To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets with the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org/give-blood.

Inova Blood Services also takes donors by appointment. Visit https://www.inovablood.org/ to schedule an appointment.