Water, Noise Concerns Drive Irondale Data Center Proposal
The Irondale City Council held a first reading of a proposed ordinance regulating future data centers, but took no action. The proposal would establish setbacks, noise limits, restrictions on water-intensive cooling, infrastructure cost requirements and cleanup financial guarantees.
Irondale officials are considering new rules for data centers before any facilities are built in the city. Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said the city has studied data center regulations and wants to address residents’ concerns through a local ordinance rather than wait for development to begin.
The proposed requirements would place the largest data centers at least 1,000 feet from homes and other protected areas, limit water-intensive cooling systems and establish daytime and nighttime noise limits. Developers would generally be responsible for infrastructure upgrades and would need to provide financial guarantees for cleanup if a facility closes. The City Council took no action after the first reading, and residents will have an opportunity to review the proposal and suggest changes before it returns for consideration.