Vulcan data center proposal in Dresden draws concerns amid state moratorium
Vulcan plans to build an AI data center in Dresden, New York, replacing the existing Greenidge Generation cryptocurrency operation. Opponents, including Seneca Lake Guardian, are raising concerns about the new facility's electricity and water consumption, as well as noise pollution. The project faces regulatory hurdles and seems to conflict with a recently enacted state moratorium on large data centers.
Vulcan is proposing to establish an artificial intelligence data center in Dresden, Yates County, New York, on the site currently occupied by Greenidge Generation's cryptocurrency mining operation. The project has already drawn significant criticism from activists, including Seneca Lake Guardian, who express alarm over potential environmental impacts and increased resource consumption.
The primary concerns revolve around the new data center's electricity and water demands. Opponents question whether Vulcan's needs will be covered by taking over the Greenidge power plant, especially given a pending request for an additional 260 megawatts from the state grid. The article highlights that data centers are major power consumers, potentially leading to higher electric rates for residents.
Water usage is another critical issue. Greenidge Generation was permitted to draw up to 139 million gallons per day from Seneca Lake for cooling, discharging heated water back into the lake, which impacts aquatic life. Concerns are raised about the new facility's cooling water requirements and discharge temperatures.
Furthermore, residents living near data centers commonly report incessant noise, leading to sleep disruption, headaches, and other health problems. The Vulcan project has yet to file an application with the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation and appears to be at odds with Governor Kathy Hochul’s recently enacted moratorium on new data centers requiring 50MW or more from the state. The author suggests that blocking additional state grid electricity could be a way to prevent the project, predicting potential lawsuits from Vulcan if such action is taken.