Opponents respond to grading green-light for Google data center in Botetourt County
Google has received a land disturbance permit to begin grading work for its data center in Botetourt County, Virginia. Opponents, including the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance, are criticizing the expedited permitting process and outstanding environmental permit applications with the Virginia DEQ.
Fencing and "No Trespassing" signs now mark the entrance to Google's planned Greenfield data center site in Botetourt County, Virginia. This comes as the county announced that Google has met the requirements to obtain a land disturbance permit, allowing the company to begin phase one grading work on the planned 312-acre campus.
The project's primary citizen opposition group, the Southwest Virginia Data Center Transparency Alliance, is critical of the county's decision, arguing that Google has been allowed to proceed despite outstanding permits and processes. The group specifically points to several permits awaiting final approval with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), calling on the agency to reject these applications until Google provides complete information and adheres to higher standards. Opponents voiced disappointment with the DEQ for not closing incomplete applications, citing internal memos indicating such applications should be closed within 30 days.
The county states that any work requiring state or federal environmental permits will continue to be reviewed by appropriate agencies, including those overseen by the DEQ. However, opponents are critical of an expedited permitting process outlined in the county's performance agreement with Google. They accuse Google and the county of a purposeful attempt to "steamroll the citizenry," alleging a lack of transparency and dialogue with local residents and government.