WECT INVESTIGATES: Chemours targets data centers as area officials debate future of facilities
A New Hanover County commissioner is proposing a moratorium on data centers due to environmental concerns, including PFAS contamination linked to Chemours, water, and electricity usage. This follows similar moratoriums enacted by Boiling Spring Lakes and Whiteville in North Carolina, highlighting a growing regional debate.
WECT Investigates reports that Chemours, a chemical producer previously responsible for PFAS contamination in Southeastern North Carolina, is now entering the data center industry. The company is marketing Opteon, a PFAS-based refrigerant, which it claims can reduce energy and water consumption for data center cooling.
This development has sparked concern among environmental advocates and local officials. Drew Ball from the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) warns about the combination of data center expansion and the increased use of PFAS. New Hanover County Commissioner LeAnn Pierce expressed concern over potential impacts on the county's water supply and is calling for a moratorium on data center development in New Hanover County to ensure preparedness for the environmental strain, particularly regarding electricity, water, and land use.
Pierce highlighted that no data centers currently exist in New Hanover County, but facilities are emerging nationwide, leading to both economic growth and environmental challenges. She referenced that Boiling Spring Lakes Commissioners recently approved a 12-month data center moratorium, and Whiteville leaders followed suit, indicating a regional trend of pausing development to assess impacts on resources. Chemours declined to answer on-camera questions, stating their new Opteon cooling fluid is under EPA review and there are no plans to manufacture the chemical at their Fayetteville Works Plant in Bladen County, where previous pollution occurred.
Local officials continue to monitor Chemours' role in the data center sector and debate the future of these facilities in the region amidst ongoing environmental concerns.