Riverkeeper questions potential water usage for Effingham data center
Savannah Riverkeeper has raised concerns about the potential water usage of a proposed OpenAI data center in Effingham County, Georgia. Although county officials state the facility will use a closed-loop system and treated surface water, Riverkeeper questions the discharge process and potential chemical content, fearing impacts on the Savannah River. The group plans to meet with county and company officials to address a "long list of questions" regarding the project's environmental footprint.
The proposed OpenAI data center in Effingham County, Georgia, is facing scrutiny from the Savannah Riverkeeper over its potential water usage. County officials have indicated the facility will employ a closed-loop system, similar to a car radiator, to continuously recirculate treated surface water, aiming to significantly reduce water consumption compared to other data centers and protect local groundwater resources.
However, Steven Uhles, Communications Director for Savannah Riverkeeper, expressed concerns regarding the disposal of flushed water from the system, questioning its destination and potential chemical content. He emphasized that despite safeguards, a facility of this scale, located within the watershed, cannot avoid impacting the river. Uhles also noted that Savannah Riverkeeper was not surprised by the data center proposal but holds a long list of questions, including inquiries about storm water management, power plans, water usage based on power generation, green space, and heat island mitigation. The organization has not yet met with county or OpenAI officials but plans to do so in the future to address these concerns.