Effingham residents, officials visit data centers
Effingham County officials and residents visited Meta's data center complex in Walton County, Georgia, to understand the potential impacts of a planned OpenAI data center in their own county. The visit aimed to address resident concerns regarding environmental impact, noise, water, energy, and taxation, while also informing Springfield's development of data center regulations. While officials from Walton County presented a positive view, some Effingham residents remained concerned about the differences between the two projects and the community's opposition.
A group of approximately 20 Effingham County officials and residents recently traveled to the Stanton Springs Business Park in Social Circle, Walton County, Georgia, to observe Meta's data center operations. The visit was organized by the Development Authority of Walton County to provide insights into data center impacts, as Effingham County is slated to host a large-scale $20 billion OpenAI data center project.
During the tour, the Effingham delegation, which included representatives from the Board of Commissioners, Industrial Development Authority, and Chamber of Commerce, alongside concerned residents, asked questions about taxes, water use, energy demands, and community impacts. They observed the data centers, noting operational noise and discussing the community's experience since Meta's facility opened in 2019. Walton County Development Authority President and CEO Shane Short highlighted the economic benefits, including significant investments and tax contributions, but also acknowledged past resident concerns regarding light pollution, traffic, noise, and well-water pressure. Springfield Planning and Zoning Director Erin Phillips noted that the visit was crucial for developing proactive data center regulations in her city.
Some Effingham residents, like Michelle Johns, expressed disappointment, feeling that Meta's campus in a less populated, industrially zoned area differed significantly from OpenAI's proposed site, which would be near neighborhoods and elementary schools. Concerns were raised about the scale of OpenAI's expected electricity consumption (up to 3.2 GW from Georgia Power Company, relying on natural gas infrastructure expansion) compared to Meta's campus, which uses 100% renewable energy from Walton EMC. Residents also questioned OpenAI's wastewater disposal plans, as Effingham's facilities currently lack the technology to treat industrial wastewater, despite Meta reporting a closed-loop, recycled cooling system.
The visit underscored ongoing community opposition in Effingham County, with residents lamenting the potential loss of their way of life due to industrial development. Upcoming public information sessions are planned in Effingham County to continue discussions on the OpenAI project, with further tours of other data center developments also being considered.