WVDEP orders data center company to make repairs after residential flooding
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) has ordered a data center company, Monarch Cloud, to make immediate repairs and strengthen stormwater controls at its construction site in Mason County. This order comes after residential flooding on July 11th, which was caused by construction activities for a future AI data center and revealed permit violations. This is not the first instance of flooding related to the project.
Environmental officials from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) have ordered a data center company to make immediate repairs and strengthen stormwater controls at the Monarch Cloud Campus construction site in Mason County, West Virginia. This directive follows a recent incident on July 11th where residential areas experienced significant flooding attributed to the ongoing construction of a future AI data center.
This is not the first occurrence of flooding in the area, as residents reported similar issues in May, prompting an earlier investigation by the WVDEP that found the company had violated its permits. Kevin Quinn, a local resident whose home on University Lane was impacted, expressed frustration, stating that the flooding has devastated families and believes the neglect is purposeful given the magnitude of the project.
The WVDEP's order mandates Monarch Cloud to immediately address the failed stormwater controls, install necessary erosion and sediment controls where needed, and take all actions required to prevent further flooding.