Augustans can still submit feedback on data centers, attend public forum
Augusta, Georgia, is considering a draft data center ordinance that includes buffer zones, noise limits, and closed-loop cooling systems. The city has extended a pause on new data center development to gather public feedback. Residents can submit comments online and attend a public forum to discuss environmental and power grid impacts, co-hosted by Augusta-Richmond County Commissioners.
Augusta, Georgia, is in the process of finalizing a draft data center ordinance, and city leaders have extended a pause on new data center development to collect additional public feedback. The proposed regulations would mandate future data centers maintain a 500-foot buffer from residential or agricultural properties, adhere to a 65-decibel noise limit, and utilize closed-loop cooling systems, while also avoiding private wells.
This ordinance, however, would not apply to an existing QTS data center project near the Haynes Station neighborhood, which has faced significant homeowner opposition. Mayor-elect Steven Kendrick has urged city officials to prioritize resident concerns while still allowing for