Virginia county clears Google for data center grading
Botetourt County, Virginia, officials have granted Google a land disturbance permit, allowing the company to begin grading a 312-acre site for a planned data center. The permit includes specific environmental protections, such as no wetland disturbance and requirements for erosion control and stormwater management. It also imposes noise restrictions for site preparation and post-construction operations.
Botetourt County officials in Virginia have issued a land disturbance permit to Google, allowing the tech giant to commence grading on a 312-acre site located within the Botetourt Center at Greenfield for a new data center. The permit specifically excludes any federal or state requirements that are currently under review, with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) slated to oversee several environmental permits.
The county's permit stipulates that no wetlands are to be disturbed during the process, permitting contractors to use temporary military-style "dry support bridges" for access. Additionally, the permit mandates appropriate erosion and sediment control measures, alongside comprehensive stormwater management. Intermittent blasting is anticipated during site preparation and will be regulated by the Virginia State Fire Marshals Office.
Furthermore, the permit includes strict noise restrictions, prohibiting noise-generating activities between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and ensuring that no clearly audible noise can be detected 50 feet from the property line once construction is complete. The sheriff's office will be responsible for enforcing the county's noise ordinance.