Maryland approves Amazon's air quality permit to build Frederick data center

Amazon has been granted a crucial air quality permit by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to proceed with its data center construction in Frederick, Maryland. The permit allows the installation of 99 diesel-fired emergency backup generators at the Digital Drive site. MDE has imposed stringent conditions, explicitly prohibiting the generators from operating as the primary power source or participating in demand response programs, restricting their use to emergencies, testing, and maintenance. Throughout the approval process, Frederick County residents voiced significant safety concerns, particularly regarding the generators' planned proximity (within 500-1,000 feet) to residential neighborhoods like Green Hill Manor and Alcoa, which are near Carroll Manor Elementary School in Adamstown. Maryland Secretary of the Environment, Serena McIlwain, acknowledged these concerns, assuring the public that the permit incorporates "strong, science-based protections" for air quality and public health, while emphasizing the state's commitment to economic growth without compromising community well-being. Further environmental stipulations require Amazon to comply with U.S. EPA oil pollution prevention requirements, including maintaining a spill prevention plan and securing a separate oil permit before any diesel fuel can be stored on-site to protect local water supplies. The facility will also be subject to regular announced and unannounced inspections and must submit annual emissions certifications.