No wells, noise limits: Columbia County outlines rules for Google data centers
Columbia County has adopted an ordinance outlining rules for Google's two data centers in Harlem, including noise limits and a ban on well water usage. The county aims to utilize revenue from these data centers to eventually eliminate property taxes, pending voter approval of House Bill 439 in November.
Columbia County officials are outlining specific rules and financial implications for two Google data centers planned for Harlem.
An ordinance, passed by the county in December, dictates that the data centers must adhere to a 70-decibel sound limit at the property line and are prohibited from using well water. Instead, the facilities are mandated to operate with closed-loop systems that recycle water for cooling purposes.
The county's main objective in attracting these data centers is to eliminate property taxes for its residents. Chairman Doug Duncan announced that House Bill 439, which allows counties to set aside money from such projects for property tax relief, will be on Columbia County voters' ballots in November. If approved, the county could use revenue generated by the data centers to cover maintenance and operating costs currently funded by property taxes, which constitute 40% of the county's overall budget.