'We have a right to know what’s going on': Forum planned for Russell County data centers proposed at former mine site
Oasis Digital Properties is planning a community forum about a potential three- or four-building data center campus at the former Moss No. 3 coal mine near Cleveland in Russell County. The project remains in an early, unfinalized stage, while residents are protesting and raising concerns about transparency, the Clinch River, noise, taxes and electricity demand.
Oasis Digital Properties plans to hold a Nov. 18 community forum in Lebanon about its proposed data center campus at the former Moss No. 3 coal mine near Cleveland. Oasis co-founder Ross Litkenhous said the project is still in its early stages and depends on finding companies to occupy the buildings; no construction is imminent. The Russell County Industrial Development Authority retains control of the property under an agreement with Oasis, while officials have withheld project records, citing a nondisclosure agreement and Virginia public-records exemptions.
Some residents have organized demonstrations and a petition opposing the project, including protests in Lebanon and participation at Industrial Development Authority and county meetings. Their concerns include potential effects on the Clinch River, noise, low tax rates and the lack of public information. Litkenhous said Appalachian Power could supply up to 300 megawatts to the site, while residents urged officials to negotiate stronger community benefits and prepare for the project's power needs.