Castro County residents cite water, land and pollution fears over proposed data center
Residents in Castro County, Texas, are expressing significant concerns about a proposed data center project in Arney. Their fears center on environmental impacts, including water and land consumption, air, noise, and light pollution, and the agricultural impact of associated solar farms. They are actively seeking more information from the involved company.
Residents of Castro County, Texas, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed data center project slated for Arney, located at the intersection of Highway 168 and FM Road 1075. The project has sparked widespread fears concerning its potential impact on the local environment and agricultural land.
Concerns articulated by residents, including agricultural producers Wayne Wilhelm and Brent Wilhelm, range from excessive water consumption and significant land usage to air, noise, and light pollution. Wayne Wilhelm highlighted that the data center and its supporting solar farms would take agricultural land out of production, conflicting with efforts to increase beef supply. Mason Kleman, Castro County Commissioner Precinct 4, confirmed these fears, noting that residents, particularly in Nazareth, are worried about changes to their community, health, and the future of the land.
Opponents of the data center are currently seeking more information from Intersect Power, which is involved in the acquisition phase of the project. While expressing their concerns, residents feel that the proposed development does not benefit the land or the community's long-term well-being.