Ohio EPA decides not to finalize proposed general permitting for data center water discharge
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced it will not proceed with a proposed general permitting plan for data centers regarding water discharge. This decision was made after reviewing over 7,000 public comments expressing concerns about potential pollution in Ohio's waterways. Data centers in Ohio will continue to be permitted on an individual basis.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Tuesday that it has decided against moving forward with a proposed general permitting plan for data centers. The plan pertained to the discharge of water from data centers into Ohio's rivers, streams, and lakes.
The proposal, which had been under consideration for nearly nine months, generated significant public interest, drawing thousands of comments. The agency confirmed that it reviewed more than 7,000 public comments, many of which raised concerns about the potential for pollution in Ohio's waterways. This extensive public feedback was cited as a crucial factor in the agency's decision.
As a result of not finalizing the general permit, the Ohio EPA will continue its current practice of permitting data centers on an individual basis, rather than through a blanket general permit.