Lawrenceburg data center approval draws pushback from residents
A proposed Flatwoods Data Center in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, has been approved by the planning commission, but it faces significant resident opposition. Concerns include environmental impacts, a perceived sidestepping of regulations by sizing the project just under 5 megawatts, and a lack of local zoning rules. Residents are raising funds for a possible legal challenge, and the Lawrence County Commission is set to vote on a proposed 12-month moratorium.
A data center project known as Flatwoods Data Center, proposed for construction off Highway 43 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, has received approval from the planning commission. This decision has sparked significant pushback from local residents, who are now exploring possible legal challenges.
Residents, including those forming the group Citizens Against Lawrence County Data Centers, have raised concerns about the project's environmental impact and the process of its approval. They question the project's planned 4.9-megawatt operation, suggesting this size was chosen to avoid a system impact study required for projects over 5 megawatts, thereby bypassing certain codes and restrictions. A petition has been started by the group calling for a moratorium to allow for more comprehensive studies.
Cameron McCandless with Lawrenceburg Utility System stated that the city's substation can handle the 4.9-megawatt demand without needing new electric infrastructure or impacting customer power bills. He also noted that while an initial system cleaning would use a significant amount of water, daily water usage would be very low, comparable to a one-bedroom apartment.
Ryan Egley, president of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged the Lawrence County Commission is considering a 12-month moratorium on data centers, with a vote scheduled for July 28th. However, Egley expressed concerns that such a moratorium would have little effect without an existing planning department or approval process to enforce it. He believes the data center could offer long-term economic benefits, while residents remain focused on responsible development and exploring legal avenues.