I write to express my concerns with adopting a permit by right allowance for data center facilities with an upwards of 500,000 square foot area footprint. Given the size of these facilities, the county is inviting "hyperscale" data centers in by right, substantially undercutting the county's ability to evaluate applications on a case by case basis. These facilities draw substantial amounts of water and electricity. This is at a time when the electric grid in Virginia, and the broader PJM region is extremely taxed (due to massive data center build out) which is already having major impacts on rates and reliability. Further, as has been seen during demand response emergencies (such as during the June heat wave), onsite generation at these facilities is on-lined to meet load demand, which results in significant local pollution to the community. Adopting this PBR approach is bad for both ratepayers and public health. I have additionally submitted longer written testimony to BOS by email.
I have concerns regarding the proposed data center. As a child I was told, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry."
I fear this could come true in my lifetime. Data center use a significant amount of water for cooling and other needs.
This creates an issue regarding the volume and quality of its wastewater discharge. This issue creates an increase load on wastewater treatment facilities. And a diversion of tax funds to manage increased wastewater discharge loads,
as well as, the impacts of water pollution, soil degradation, and public health. In cases of an emergency, data centers could compound local water scarcity problems. While the EPA is in flux, regulatory compliance may only be left to short handed local government. Finally, the lost of public trust may well be the outcome from communities expecting and demanding clean, safe water.
The World Economic Forum has stated, "Data centres...rank [the] conservation [of water] as a low priority."
I attended the mtg on 6/30& am against these.We were informed of the 4 'by right' areas which would allow up to a 40,000sf bldg.Overlay districts were mentioned but it was not made clear that you were proposing Tier 1&2 levels in these areas w/ a bldg up to 500,000sf 'by right'. This is crazy. I questioned the effect on our wells/water table,as I am in close proximity to Rivanna Futures.Was told they would not be affected because of public water/sewer. Is the BOS guaranteeing this? because my research indicates they can be affected,especially if water w/drawal outpaces natural replenishment.My comments in Engage Albemarle further explain. Article in NYTimes on 7/14/25 about issues w/ wells in Newton Co.,GA in close proximity to a DC. Closed loop system should be paired w/ a Zero-Water Evaporation Design to reduce/eliminate water consumption (ie Microsoft bldg 2 plants w/ this).What is plan for droughts?Generators can be battery/solar backup,not diesel.More/different regulations needed
I am unable to insert my comment and am submitting a word doc.
I write to express my concerns with adopting a permit by right allowance for data center facilities with an upwards of 500,000 square foot area footprint. Given the size of these facilities, the county is inviting "hyperscale" data centers in by right, substantially undercutting the county's ability to evaluate applications on a case by case basis. These facilities draw substantial amounts of water and electricity. This is at a time when the electric grid in Virginia, and the broader PJM region is extremely taxed (due to massive data center build out) which is already having major impacts on rates and reliability. Further, as has been seen during demand response emergencies (such as during the June heat wave), onsite generation at these facilities is on-lined to meet load demand, which results in significant local pollution to the community. Adopting this PBR approach is bad for both ratepayers and public health. I have additionally submitted longer written testimony to BOS by email.
I have concerns regarding the proposed data center. As a child I was told, "You never miss the water until the well runs dry."
I fear this could come true in my lifetime. Data center use a significant amount of water for cooling and other needs.
This creates an issue regarding the volume and quality of its wastewater discharge. This issue creates an increase load on wastewater treatment facilities. And a diversion of tax funds to manage increased wastewater discharge loads,
as well as, the impacts of water pollution, soil degradation, and public health. In cases of an emergency, data centers could compound local water scarcity problems. While the EPA is in flux, regulatory compliance may only be left to short handed local government. Finally, the lost of public trust may well be the outcome from communities expecting and demanding clean, safe water.
The World Economic Forum has stated, "Data centres...rank [the] conservation [of water] as a low priority."
I attended the mtg on 6/30& am against these.We were informed of the 4 'by right' areas which would allow up to a 40,000sf bldg.Overlay districts were mentioned but it was not made clear that you were proposing Tier 1&2 levels in these areas w/ a bldg up to 500,000sf 'by right'. This is crazy. I questioned the effect on our wells/water table,as I am in close proximity to Rivanna Futures.Was told they would not be affected because of public water/sewer. Is the BOS guaranteeing this? because my research indicates they can be affected,especially if water w/drawal outpaces natural replenishment.My comments in Engage Albemarle further explain. Article in NYTimes on 7/14/25 about issues w/ wells in Newton Co.,GA in close proximity to a DC. Closed loop system should be paired w/ a Zero-Water Evaporation Design to reduce/eliminate water consumption (ie Microsoft bldg 2 plants w/ this).What is plan for droughts?Generators can be battery/solar backup,not diesel.More/different regulations needed