Chesterfield launches data center website as residents continue to push for transparency
Chesterfield County, Virginia, has launched a new website to provide residents with increased transparency regarding data center development. This initiative comes after months of public calls for more information on current and future projects, including details on water usage and planning documents. While seen as a step forward, some residents remain concerned about the economic benefits and the county's use of non-disclosure agreements.
Chesterfield County, Virginia, has introduced a new online resource aimed at increasing transparency regarding data center development within the community. The website, launched in response to sustained public pressure for clearer information, provides details on current and future data center projects, planning documents, and the status of existing, approved, and pending sites.
Residents expressed that the website is a direct response to their calls for increased transparency, though some noted it should have been implemented earlier. A key concern addressed by the site is water usage; it states that the county's three existing data centers use about 2 million gallons per day, with planned projects potentially adding another 8.6 million gallons daily, representing about 10% of the county's total water capacity. The county plans to add a fourth water supply by 2036 to manage future growth.
The website also addresses the county's use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) during data center negotiations, explaining they protect sensitive information. However, residents like Mike Golden voiced continued skepticism, stating they are still seeking answers about the economic benefits data centers provide to taxpayers and whether these benefits justify their environmental and infrastructural impact.