Covington Data Center Builders Accused Of Skipping Permits
Environmental and neighborhood groups in Covington, Georgia, are accusing Serverfarm and VoltaGrid of installing major equipment for a data center and power plant without required state air permits. They have urged the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to halt construction and assess penalties. The EPD is currently investigating the allegations while companies assert they are working with regulators.
Environmental advocates and neighborhood groups in Covington, Georgia, have formally accused Serverfarm and VoltaGrid of proceeding with construction of a data center and an adjacent power plant without obtaining necessary state air permits. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), Sustainable Newton, and the Altamaha Riverkeeper sent a letter to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) last Thursday, demanding an immediate halt to construction activities and the assessment of appropriate penalties.
The groups cite aerial images from mid-June that allegedly show VoltaGrid had assembled several natural-gas engines for its proposed 90-megawatt facility, and Serverfarm had installed at least 36 of 37 planned diesel emergency generators. They contend these installations occurred before final air permits were secured, undermining the regulatory process. Serverfarm representative Kurt Widmann stated that the developer has been collaborating with regulators and assured that none of the generators have been, nor will be, operated without a permit.
The Georgia EPD has acknowledged the complaint and confirmed it will investigate the allegations. The agency noted that final permits for VoltaGrid's application had not been issued as of early this week. Local residents, including Nancy Schulz of Sustainable Newton, expressed significant concerns about potential air pollution, particularly given the proximity of families with young children and seniors.
Advocates argue that installing major equipment prematurely can hinder regulators' ability to impose stricter pollution controls later, as companies might claim substantial prior investment. This conflict in Covington is highlighted as part of a broader national debate over on-site power generation at large data campuses. The EPD now has an enforcement request on its desk, with stakeholders awaiting its decision on whether to pause construction, impose penalties, or allow the projects to proceed under modified conditions.