NCDEQ Division of Air Quality issues permits for Amazon data center project

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Division of Air Quality (NCDEQ DAQ) announced on August 28 the approval of two air quality permits for Amazon's data center campus located at the Energy Way Industrial Park in Hamlet, North Carolina. The permits specifically address concerns about air emissions by capping them, requiring control technologies, and mandating additional testing and monitoring.

One permit was issued to Amazon, allowing the operation of 588 backup engines during power outages and for maintenance at the Airport Road site. The second permit, issued to Duke Energy, permits 57 temporary 'bridge power' engines to supply electricity for up to 364 days until Amazon's facility is fully connected to the power grid. Both permits include stringent requirements for recordkeeping, reporting, and initial testing.

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson acknowledged significant public concern surrounding these projects, noting that a public hearing in Rockingham a month prior had drawn opposition from Richmond County residents and groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center. Despite this, the DEQ determined that compliance with applicable air quality standards can be achieved, with Amazon's vice president of economic development, Roger Wehner, stating that backup generators would run an average of 10 hours per year and feature advanced emissions control technology. The Amazon project, known as "Blue Marlin," received an incentive agreement from the Richmond County Board of Commissioners in June 2025 and is currently under construction, expected to create 500 jobs.