Project Camellia Data Center Raises Environmental Concerns in Effingham County
Effingham County residents and environmental groups are raising significant concerns about Project Camellia, a proposed 1,400-acre data center campus by OpenAI. Key issues include potential noise pollution, air quality degradation from increased electricity demand and backup diesel generators, and substantial water usage impacting local wetlands and biodiversity. A public meeting for the power expansion's draft air permit is scheduled.
Project Camellia, a proposed 1,400-acre data center campus in Effingham County, Georgia, by OpenAI, is facing significant environmental concerns from local residents and environmental groups. Critics highlight potential noise pollution from the facility's extensive HVAC systems and fans, which operate continuously and could exceed the county's 50-decibel limit at property lines. Residents of Belmont Glen, situated near the proposed site, are particularly worried about the impact on their health and quality of life.
The project also raises questions about air quality and increased greenhouse gas emissions. OpenAI has partnered with Georgia Power for a 25-year agreement to supply 3.2 gigawatts of electricity, necessitating an expansion of Plant McIntosh, one of Georgia's largest carbon dioxide emitters. This expansion could add 5 million tons of greenhouse gases and 63,000 pounds of hazardous air pollutants annually. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is holding a virtual public meeting on August 14 for the draft air permit related to this expansion. Additionally, the reliance on diesel generators for backup power could further impact local air quality with emissions like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
Water usage is another major concern, despite OpenAI's claim of "minimal" use with a closed-loop cooling system. The project is expected to draw surface water from the Savannah River, and critics worry about the lack of disclosed withdrawal amounts, especially given existing water withdrawal restrictions in parts of Effingham County due to drought. The site plan also indicates the conversion of approximately 1,000 acres of wetlands into impervious surfaces, potentially increasing stormwater runoff, erosion, and flooding, and displacing wildlife in a sensitive wet pine flatwoods ecosystem. Residents are calling for comprehensive environmental impact assessments before construction begins, emphasizing the county's responsibility to protect its natural heritage.