Chesterfield residents press tech giants on data center impacts
Chesterfield County residents questioned data center developers Google and Chirisa about noise, electricity demand, cooling needs and environmental impacts at a community meeting. County officials said they have received hundreds of inquiries as nine data centers are operating, under construction or being considered in the county.
Residents of Chesterfield County confronted data center developers, including Google and Chirisa, during a meeting at Brightpoint Community College in Chester. Much of the discussion focused on noise from generators and chillers, the design and orientation of facilities, electricity demand, cooling requirements and potential environmental effects.
County officials said they have received hundreds of questions and comments as the data center industry expands in the area. Nine facilities are currently operational, under construction or under consideration, according to the county. Developers said they intend to work with Chesterfield and invest in the community, while residents and local officials called for greater transparency and accountability.