Ohio EPA holding public hearing over Amazon data center air permit

The Ohio EPA is conducting a public hearing in Hilliard concerning an air emissions permit for a proposed Amazon data center. Residents have expressed numerous questions and concerns regarding the rapid growth of data centers in the area. Tonight's hearing specifically addresses a permit that would authorize the Amazon data center to operate 158 diesel-powered emergency generators. Residents, like one identified as living near a park, voiced worries about the potential impact on air quality, especially when these generators run during electrical outages and for testing. The OEPA's presentation indicated that the generators would primarily operate during power disruptions and minimally for maintenance, emitting products of combustion. Residents find it challenging to track all the different meetings for various permits for a single facility, noting that while this hearing focuses on air concerns, water and other issues are also relevant. WBNS 10TV reached out to Amazon Web Services for comment but had not received a response. The Ohio EPA is accepting public comments online and via mail until March 25th.