Iron Mountain Data Centers has filed for a permit to expand its data center campus in Manassas, Virginia, marking a significant step in the company’s growth plans in the region. The expansion, detailed in a permit application submitted on December 16, 2024, to the US Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, will add a new 165,500 square-foot facility to the existing campus.
Location and Expansion Details
The proposed expansion site is located in Prince William County, west of Route 234 and near Wellington Road. The new building, which will be constructed on 17 acres of land, will span 165,428 square feet (approximately 15,369 square meters) across two stories. This new structure is designed to support Iron Mountain’s ongoing efforts to meet the rising demand for data center space.
The proposed expansion will contribute to Iron Mountain’s existing campus, which currently spans 142 acres. The company plans to build up to nine facilities on the campus, with a total footprint exceeding 2 million square feet. Currently, five data centers are operational, and two more are under development.
Environmental Considerations and Mitigation Plans
As part of the expansion, the construction will impact local wetlands and a stream channel. Specifically, 0.19 acres of palustrine forested wetlands and 280 feet of stream channel will be affected. The Corps of Engineers will only approve the permit if Iron Mountain demonstrates that all wetland and stream impacts are minimized to the greatest extent possible.
To mitigate environmental effects, Iron Mountain has proposed purchasing 0.38 wetland credits and 286 stream credits from the Whitewood Farm Mitigation Bank, LLC. This compensatory measure aims to offset the environmental impact of the expansion project.
Permit Review Process and Timeline
The Norfolk District Corps of Engineers is currently accepting public comments on the expansion proposal until January 15, 2025. A final decision on whether the permit will be granted is expected after this review period. The expansion is part of Iron Mountain’s ongoing efforts to enhance its data center infrastructure and serve the growing demand for cloud and digital services in the region.
Iron Mountain’s Growth Strategy in Virginia
Iron Mountain has been aggressively expanding its footprint in Virginia’s data center market. In November 2024, the company purchased 40 acres of land in Manassas from PRP Real Estate Investment Management for $113.5 million. This acquisition adds to the company’s growing portfolio in the area, positioning Iron Mountain to expand its services further in this critical region for data infrastructure.
Additionally, Iron Mountain has also acquired 66 acres of land in Richmond, Virginia, located within the White Oak Technology Park. This site is slated to host a 200MW data center campus, further solidifying the company’s commitment to the region’s data center market.
Iron Mountain’s Future in the Data Center Industry
As one of the leading providers of data storage and data center services, Iron Mountain’s continued expansion signals its commitment to meeting the growing demands of cloud providers, enterprises, and telecommunications companies. By adding significant capacity in key markets like Manassas and Richmond, the company is positioning itself to take advantage of the increasing need for secure, scalable data infrastructure.
Iron Mountain’s expansion efforts in Virginia reflect a broader trend in the data center industry, where companies are investing heavily in new infrastructure to support the rapid growth of cloud computing, edge computing, and other data-driven technologies.
FAQ
1. What is the scope of Iron Mountain’s expansion in Manassas?
Iron Mountain plans to build a new 165,500 square-foot data center on a 17-acre site in Prince William County, Virginia. This expansion will be part of a larger campus with up to nine facilities.
2. How does Iron Mountain address environmental concerns in its expansion?
Iron Mountain plans to mitigate environmental impact by purchasing wetland and stream credits to offset the disruption caused by the construction, as outlined in its permit application.
3. When will the final decision on the permit be made?
The US Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments until January 15, 2025. After this, a decision on whether the permit will be granted will be made.
4. What is Iron Mountain’s long-term data center strategy in Virginia?
Iron Mountain is focused on expanding its data center capacity in Virginia, with significant acquisitions in Manassas and Richmond to support future growth. The company plans to build large-scale facilities to meet rising demand for cloud and digital services.
