Ohio EPA looks to streamline water permits for data centers

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to streamline the permitting process for data centers' wastewater discharge in an effort to accommodate economic development. The new general permit would allow eligible data centers to more easily obtain permits to discharge pollutants like heavy metals and corrosion inhibitors into waterways. Some environmental advocates are concerned this will lower water quality without sufficient review. The Ohio EPA says the changes are necessary to support data center growth, which has already been incentivized by state and local tax breaks. Public comments on the proposed general permit are being accepted until December 17.