Residents push back on proposed data center, citing environmental and safety concerns

Residents of Hilliard, Ohio, voiced strong opposition at a public hearing regarding a proposal to install 158 emergency generators at an Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center on Scioto Darby Creek Road. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently considering Amazon's request to operate these ultra-low-sulfur diesel or hydrogenated vegetable oil diesel generators. Local residents, including Cathy Cowan Becker and Trevor Anderson, expressed fears that the additional operations could negatively impact air quality, particularly for children attending Beacon Elementary and playing at a nearby park. Anderson, who lives next to the site, highlighted concerns about his children breathing in potentially harmful air and called for accountability and proper monitoring equipment, similar to what is mandated at other facilities. Norwich Township trustees also raised red flags, urging the EPA to implement on-site monitoring and ensure first responders are aware of potential risks. The Ohio EPA stated that these generators are intended for approximately 50 hours of annual maintenance and emergency use, and the site would be required to track operational hours. However, residents are demanding more precise information on run times and their environmental implications. AWS responded, claiming their generators in Ohio typically operate around ten hours a year for testing and maintenance, and affirmed their commitment to working with state regulators and the community through the permitting process. Public comment for the Ohio EPA's hearing remains open until the 25th, and public input will significantly influence the decision on whether the generators can operate and under what conditions or limits.