Mount Vernon Launches 'Save George Washington's View' Petition

MOUNT VERNON, VA—George Washington's beloved view of the Potomac River could be affected by a proposed Dominion Energy gas compressor station across the river in Charles County, Md. The privately-run Mount Vernon Estate has launched a campaign to oppose the station's construction, saying the construction would not only change the view but encourage future industrial development.

"George Washington’s Mount Vernon cannot be moved, however Dominion Energy’s gas compressor station can be relocated," says Mount Vernon in a petition to stop the construction. "We call upon Dominion Energy to change the location of this gas compressor station so that it does not interfere with the view from Mount Vernon."

The land directly across the river from Mount Vernon is parkland and private land protected by easements. Behind it sits land Dominion Energy currently owns and plans to build the station. The station is about three miles away from the historic estate across the river, but Mount Vernon expressed concerns about the height of the exhaust stacks making them visible over the trees.

Dominion Energy spokesman Karl Neddenien told Patch the stacks will be 50 feet tall and not be visible over the trees. The company confirmed this with a test floating balloons to a 50 foot altitude with spotters across the river.

On Mount Vernon's oppositions, Neddenien said, "We're hoping to continue to work with them to address their concerns as we've done in the past."

The proposed compressor station is part of Dominion Energy's Eastern Market Access Project. Dominion Energy says the addition of the station would upgrade the Cove Point Pipeline and fill natural gas demand by Washington Gas and the future Mattawoman Energy Center in Prince George's County, Md, SoMdNews reported.

The project is in the midst of securing final permits. Meanwhile Mount Vernon is asking for petition signers and donations. See Mount Vernon's petition here and a message from President and CEO Doug Bradburn below.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from Dominion Energy.

Image via Visit Alexandria