Nashville Zoo data center could threaten a federally endangered species with ‘limited’ habitat nearby
A proposed DC Blox data center next to the Nashville Zoo faces opposition from environmental groups concerned about its impact on the federally endangered Nashville crayfish and other species. Nashville's Metro Council is also considering a temporary moratorium and new zoning legislation that could affect data center development. Environmental groups have urged DC Blox to complete required Endangered Species Act reviews, while the company asserts it has the necessary permits.
The proposed DC Blox data center campus, consisting of two facilities with a combined 50-megawatt capacity near the Nashville Zoo, is facing significant environmental scrutiny. The Southern Environmental Law Center and Center for Biological Diversity have alerted DC Blox to potential legal and environmental concerns, specifically regarding the federally endangered Nashville crayfish. The crayfish, unique to Mill Creek and its tributaries in Davidson and Williamson Counties, has a highly limited habitat, making it vulnerable to construction impacts, including erosion, sediment control failures, and potential water contamination or temperature elevation from a water-cooling system.
Beyond the crayfish, the groups highlight risks to other vulnerable species at the Nashville Zoo, such as the alligator snapping turtle and eastern hellbender, primarily from noise pollution that could increase stress and alter behavior. They have urged DC Blox to complete all required Endangered Species Act (ESA) reviews and obtain necessary permits before commencing any project activities.
Despite these concerns, Doug Sloan, representing DC Blox, asserted at a recent Metro Planning Commission meeting that the project is "vested" with permits already in hand, indicating the company's intent to proceed while seeking community solutions. Concurrently, Nashville's Metro Council is advancing two legislative actions—a temporary moratorium and new zoning legislation—to public hearings on July 7, both of which could significantly impact future data center development in the area.