Effingham County Delays Vote on Proposed OpenAI Data Center
Effingham County commissioners unanimously postponed a decision on OpenAI's proposed Project Familia data center site plan after residents raised concerns about wetlands, noise and county transparency. The revised plan includes six data center buildings, down from the original 30, and developers are expected to provide additional information before the Nov. 17 meeting.
Effingham County commissioners tabled the site plan for Project Familia, a proposed OpenAI data center development, after hours of discussion and continued opposition from residents. The revised proposal calls for six buildings rather than the 30 initially planned. Commissioners requested more information about potential wetland impacts and written assurances regarding a proposed 20-foot berm intended to reduce noise for nearby homes.
Residents also questioned the county's transparency and vowed to continue attending commission meetings until their concerns are addressed. Developers are expected to return Nov. 17 with additional details about land impacts and the berm. Separately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments on a proposed Savannah River intake and eight-mile pipeline to supply Effingham County's new water treatment facility, including potential effects on water quality, endangered species, historic properties and the environment.