Questions about data center proposal in Brookwood
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has approved a permit for a massive hyperscale data center in Brookwood, Alabama. The project, proposed by Texas-based Applied Digital, is drawing concerns from environmental groups about potential stormwater discharge into Hurricane Creek and impacts on the power grid. Local environmental advocate John Wathen believes the deal is being done in secret.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has granted a permit for a significant hyperscale data center project in Brookwood, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The application, filed by Applied Digital, a Texas-based company, suggests plans for a massive 2,000,000 square foot facility on over 130 acres of land owned by the company, which holds almost 1300 acres in the area.
The proposal has raised numerous questions and concerns, particularly from environmental advocate John Wathen, the Hurricane Creekkeeper. Wathen expresses worry that the project, located across from Brookwood Middle School off Brookwood Industrial Parkway, is being handled in secret by city leaders. His primary environmental concerns include the discharge of stormwater from the construction site into Hurricane Creek and its unnamed tributaries, which he believes will significantly impact the watershed. Additionally, Wathen highlighted potential strain on the local power grid due to the data center's energy demands.