Botetourt County Administrator outlines data center investigation process

Botetourt County, Virginia, has approved the formation of an independent commission to thoroughly evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposed Google data center in the Greenfield area. The decision by the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday followed strong criticism from residents, who had wanted the county's planning commission to conduct the investigation. County Administrator Gary Larrowe defended the choice, stating the planning commission would likely be biased and faced legal limitations under state statute for such a study.

The proposed Google facility, comprising three buildings, is expected to generate $30 million annually in tax revenue and create up to 50 long-term jobs. However, it has ignited controversy, particularly over its plan to draw millions of gallons of water daily from Carvins Cove, the primary water source for the Roanoke Valley. Despite Google's recent announcement that one of the three facilities would be air-cooled, resident concerns about water consumption and other environmental impacts, such as sound, persist.

The independent data center investigation commission will consist of three to five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors, with candidates required to live outside Botetourt County and have no ties to the county government, Google, or the data center industry. Administrator Larrowe indicated the county is actively recruiting individuals with judicial, scientific, and corporate backgrounds, aiming for an unbiased assessment. The commission is tasked with presenting its findings within six months, which will then be shared with Google, potentially leading to project adjustments.