Google says heavy rain overwhelmed stormwater controls and caused sediment runoff at Project Peanut, responding to a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) notice issued to Peanut LLC on September 29, 2026. The notice alleges seven environmental violations at the Google-associated data-center construction site in Chesterfield County, Virginia, involving activity reported from December 2025 through August 2026.
The DEQ allegations at Project Peanut
The notice alleges sediment runoff and unauthorized impacts to streams and wetlands. The reported impacts were not authorized under the project’s existing Virginia Water Protection permit. The matter was referred to enforcement and remains pending.
Reported stream and wetland impacts
The reported aggregate estimates are 7,735 linear feet of stream channel, 0.75 acre of forested wetlands and 0.65 acre of emergent wetlands. These figures describe separate environmental categories.
Some stream channels reportedly had sediment deposits up to 12 inches deep. Wetland deposits were reported at up to 2 inches. Those are maximum depths, not typical measurements across the affected areas.
Google’s explanation and response
Google attributed the runoff to significant rainfall overwhelming the site’s stormwater controls. The company said it paused general construction operations to focus on cleanup, environmental protection and stabilizing the site. It also said most items identified in the notice had been addressed and that it was taking additional steps to strengthen erosion controls against future heavy rainfall.
Potential penalties and case status
Potential civil penalties associated with the case were reported as $32,500 per day and per violation. The enforcement matter remains pending.
