Hilliard residents raise concerns over Amazon data center diesel generators

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently held a public hearing in Hilliard to gather input on a proposed air permit for an Amazon data center. Dozens of Hilliard residents attended to express their concerns about the facility's environmental impact. The draft permit, which would allow for 158 Tier 2 diesel-powered backup generators, raised significant worries among community members regarding air emissions and noise pollution. Residents questioned Amazon's assertion that the generators would only run for 2.10 hours annually primarily for testing, and expressed skepticism about how this usage would be monitored. Many advocated for the EPA to mandate the use of cleaner Tier 4 generators to better protect public health. Residents also voiced frustration over the hearing's format, which did not include a question and answer session with EPA representatives, leading to feelings of disrespect. Ohio EPA officials clarified that the format was designed to allow adequate time for public comments. The Ohio EPA will continue to accept public comments on the draft permit until next Wednesday at 5 p.m.