'We're on the same team here': Citizen-organized data center forum draws large crowd

A large citizen-organized forum, drawing several hundred attendees, was held at Trumpet Vine Farm near Stephens City, Frederick County, Virginia, to address growing community concerns about data center development. The event, initiated by residents after a previous county-hosted forum proved contentious, featured expert panelists who highlighted potential adverse effects of data centers. Industrial hygienists Tammy Clark and Kristen Meghan Kelly presented on public health risks, citing instances of wells running dry, water contamination, and windows rattling from vibrations near data centers. Kelly detailed the impacts of "tonal noise" from cooling systems, linking it to increased blood pressure, cortisol, and maternal-fetal heart rate in pregnant women, and impaired frontal lobe development in children. She also warned about hazardous emissions from diesel generators used by data centers during power outages. Retired geophysicist Martha Sadlick discussed the unsuitability of Frederick County's geology, particularly its limestone and shale aquifer, for data centers' high water demands, especially given current emergency drought conditions. From an economic perspective, assistant professor Nathan Russell questioned the long-term tax revenue projections, noting that a proposed Clear Brook data center complex promised $237 million over 20 years, but warned that declining GPU prices could reduce this. Elena Schlossberg-Kunkel, founder of the Coalition to Protect Prince William County, advised Frederick County residents to remain engaged in their fight against data centers. The forum saw significantly less disruption than the previous county event and was attended by Frederick County Planning Commission member Joseph Crane and at least four members of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. Crane urged, "Let's not Fairfax Frederick," referencing negative feedback from Fairfax County officials. Speakers like Clark emphasized the supervisors' accountability to their constituents, while some attendees expressed gratitude for their presence, fostering a sentiment of shared purpose despite differing views.