Public hearing input used in massive data center state waters application decision
The Monarch data center campus near Point Pleasant is seeking state air and water permits from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Residents raised concerns at a public hearing about wetland destruction, potential pollution and noise, and the agency will use the feedback in deciding whether to issue the permits.
Monarch is seeking state waters permits for a planned data center campus on a more than 2,000-acre site north of Point Pleasant, where construction is already underway. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection held its final scheduled public hearing on the applications and will consider public comments before deciding whether to issue the required air and water permits.
Residents, including nearby homeowner Christopher Smith, voiced concerns about construction noise, emissions, water pollution and impacts to forested wetlands. The project could affect nearly five acres of wetlands across two proposed data centers. WVDEP communications chief Terry Fletcher said the agency would monitor air and water quality and could take enforcement action if the development harms aquatic life or causes off-site impacts.