Ohio EPA rejects proposed statewide wastewater permit for data centers, affecting Union County projects
The Ohio EPA has decided not to move forward with a proposed statewide general permit for wastewater and stormwater discharges from data centers, opting instead to continue requiring individual permits. This decision is particularly relevant to Union County, Ohio, where data center development and its impact on water resources are significant local issues.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has announced its decision to abandon a proposed statewide general permit for wastewater and stormwater discharges from data centers. After reviewing extensive public comments on the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit, the agency concluded that requiring individual NPDES permits remains the “most appropriate path forward” to ensure environmental protections under state and federal law.
This decision holds particular significance for Union County, Ohio, where the rapid expansion of data centers has become a contentious and “divisive development issue.” Local residents and officials in Union County have been closely monitoring how state regulators manage the potential environmental impacts of the industry, particularly concerning water resources. By continuing with individual permits, each new data center project in the county will undergo a specific, tailored environmental review.