Vaulted Deep appeals to Accomack BZA for deep injection on Oak Hall farm

Accomack County zoning officials have formally determined that deep injection wells are not permitted under the county’s zoning ordinance, prompting an appeal request tied to a proposed project on agricultural land near Oak Hall.

In an October 10, 2025 letter to representatives of Vaulted Deep, Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development Leander “Lee” Pambid stated that the Accomack County Zoning Ordinance does not list deep injection wells, injection wells, or similar underground storage techniques as either a permitted or conditional use. As a result, the proposed use is not allowed anywhere in the county under current zoning language.

The determination applies to Tax Parcel 27-A-60, an agricultural-zoned property currently used for farming. County officials noted that the zoning conclusion had previously been conveyed verbally to Vaulted Deep representatives during an in-person meeting at the Accomack County Administration Building on April 8, 2025, and was based on additional information presented during a September 24 virtual meeting and a redacted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permit submitted on September 26.

Documents filed with the county show that attorney Grady Palmer, on behalf of Vaulted Deep, has submitted an appeal of the zoning administrator’s conclusion to the Accomack County Board of Zoning Appeals. The appeal application identifies the proposed use as a deep injection well on the agricultural parcel and lists Muhammad Parvez as the owner of Ish Farm, LLC, the property. An owner’s consent form granting permission for the appeal and related zoning requests was included in the filing. Vaulted Deep is also looking at other sites in the County.

As part of the appeal, the applicant is requesting that the Board of Zoning Appeals structure the hearing so county officials first explain the basis for the October 10 zoning determination, after which the applicant would present a rebuttal.

The appeal materials ask the board to consider all applicable ordinances, laws, and regulations in reviewing the case. According to Pambid, the hearing was set for January, but at the request of Grady, the hearing will be moved to March.