Air-quality concerns on West Side rise as data center company seeks approval for diesel generators
Residents and a local council member in San Antonio's Westover Hills are expressing significant air quality and environmental concerns over Vantage Data Centers' proposal to install 32 diesel generators. The company is seeking an air permit from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to operate the facility, which has already been built. Public feedback at a hearing highlighted concerns about noise, water consumption, and air pollution, though the councilman noted the data centers' economic contributions.
Residents in San Antonio's Westover Hills, along with District 6 Council Member Melissa Cabello Galvan, have raised significant concerns regarding a proposed Vantage Data Centers facility. The company is seeking an air permit from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to install 32 onsite diesel generators, which opponents fear will severely impact local air quality.
The proposed data center, already constructed, cannot operate without state approval for the generators. A public hearing with TCEQ gathered around 200 comments, with many residents expressing opposition due to potential noise, water and electricity consumption, and general neighborhood concerns. Some residents, however, were indifferent or supportive, noting existing data centers have not noticeably affected the area.
Council Member Galvan acknowledged residents' worries about energy, water, and air quality, but also highlighted the substantial taxable value and revenue data centers contribute to the city and CPS Energy. She clarified that all San Antonio data centers combined use only 0.3% of the city's water. As of the report, TCEQ has not yet made a decision on Vantage Data Centers' permit application.