DEP reviews stormwater permit for 14-mile gas pipelines tied to NSCALE data center
NSCALE is seeking a stormwater permit from the WV DEP for 14 miles of natural gas pipelines that will power its data center in Mason County. Community members have raised environmental concerns regarding the permit's scope, which focuses on construction-related sediment and erosion control rather than operational impacts.
NSCALE, the company developing a large-scale data center in Mason County, West Virginia, is advancing its project by seeking a stormwater permit from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP). This permit specifically pertains to the construction of 14 miles of natural gas pipelines, spanning both Putnam and Mason counties, which are intended to generate power for the upcoming data center.
Tery Fletcher, WV DEP Communications Officer, clarified that this is a standard general permit focused on managing stormwater runoff, sediment, and erosion control during pipeline construction. It is not an operational permit and does not regulate future water usage, wastewater discharge, or air emissions.
Despite the permit's narrow scope, community members voiced concerns about its lack of provisions for water quality, wildlife habitats, or comprehensive environmental assessments beyond construction impacts. They expressed worry that broader environmental issues might be overlooked in the regulatory process.