Botetourt County Planning Commission split on water pipeline permit for Google data center
The Botetourt County Planning Commission considered a water pipeline permit request from the Western Virginia Water Authority, amidst strong resident opposition. Residents fear the pipeline is intended to supply a proposed Google data center, despite the Authority's claims it's for local households. The commission was split on the decision.
The Botetourt County Planning Commission held a meeting to review a permit request from the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) for a new water pipeline through the county. The proposed nearly 4,000-foot pipeline is intended to bring high-pressure water to over 40 households in the Dale neighborhood, providing new fire hydrants and a reliable alternative to well water for residents.
However, the meeting saw a packed house of dozens of residents who voiced strong opposition, expressing distrust in the WVWA's transparency. Residents fear the pipeline's true purpose is to supply a proposed Google data center, rather than solely serving the local community's needs. Michael McEvoy, Executive Director of the WVWA, sent an email to commission members before the vote, asserting that the pipeline extension is located away from the data center property and will not be used to support the proposed Google data center, but rather a neighborhood with a very limited water supply. Planning Commission Chair Beth Levy emphasized the project's necessity despite the heavy opposition. A gag order was reportedly issued for all parties involved, preventing some from commenting on the situation. The Planning Commission remained split on the water pipeline permit decision.