Chesterfield parents share concerns on data centers near local schools

Parents in Chesterfield County, Virginia, are expressing significant concerns regarding the planned construction of a Google data center near Deep Creek Middle School. This follows a decision last May by the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors to approve a plan allowing more data centers in the area.

Residents, particularly those with children at the middle school, fear potential air, water, and noise pollution, as well as associated health risks. They question the necessity of situating such a facility so close to a school. Chesterfield Supervisor Kevin Carroll stated that the board considered the distance from the school and assured that buffers would mitigate noise pollution by angling the data centers' generators away from populated areas.

Despite these assurances, resident Kyle Wood, reflecting the community's sentiment, emphasized the need to stop the project, noting Google's and the Board of Supervisors' awareness of the risks. While a current zoning ordinance allows data centers under a conditional use permit and includes provisions for future restrictions, Wood and others are pushing for a stronger measure. They are advocating for the Board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution that would prohibit the approval of any new data centers in Chesterfield County.

Google and Chesterfield County staff are scheduled to present at the next Board meeting, where these concerns are expected to be further discussed.