Augusta data center meeting draws questions on noise, water and power

Augusta, Georgia, is initiating a series of three public meetings to gather community input on a draft ordinance aimed at establishing the city's first-ever regulations for data centers. City government reporter Sydney Hood covered the initial meeting where residents voiced concerns regarding noise levels, water usage, and power consumption by these facilities, as well as their proximity to residential areas.

The proposed ordinance includes a 500-foot buffer from homes and agricultural properties and a noise limit of 65 decibels at the property line. It also suggests closed-loop cooling systems to minimize impact on public water resources. Residents expressed skepticism about assurances that data centers would not affect utilities or increase water bills, and reiterated worries about constant noise.

A 60-day pause on new data center applications is currently in effect to allow for public feedback before commissioners vote on the rules. However, an existing QTS data center project under construction on Gordon Highway, approved before the pause, will not be subject to these new regulations. Residents have two more opportunities to make their voices heard at upcoming meetings.