Data center construction site runoff floods Mason County neighborhood
Residents in Mason County's Meadowlands Estates experienced significant flooding and mudslides due to runoff from a nearby data center construction site after heavy rainfall. The developer, Nscale, attributes the issue to extreme weather exceeding temporary sediment control capacity and is covering cleanup costs and reinforcing controls. Residents express ongoing concerns about property damage, shaking from construction, and diminished property values.
Residents of Meadowlands Estates in Mason County, West Virginia, are grappling with significant flooding and mud damage after heavy rainfall led to runoff from a nearby 1,100-acre data center construction site. Long-time resident Humphrey expressed frustration, stating, "I've never seen anything like it till that data center started," and criticized the lack of adequate preventative measures by the developer. The flooding, which sent water and mud into yards, prompted questions from homeowners about whether more could have been done to prevent the incident.
Nscale, the company developing the data center, issued a statement acknowledging the storm's intensity, which dropped a month's worth of rain in 48 hours and exceeded the approved design capacity of the site’s temporary sediment controls, causing a section of silt fencing to fail. The company stated that crews were on-site within an hour, are providing hotel rooms and meals for affected residents, and are covering all cleanup and repair costs. Nscale also reported that their stormwater controls were recently inspected and found to be in compliance with the approved plan.
In response to the damage, Nscale has begun reinforcing controls across the site, including cutting additional drainage channels, raising elevation in a low area, and adding extra sediment protection. Beyond the recent flooding, residents voiced other ongoing concerns, such as their homes shaking constantly from the heavy machinery operating from 7 AM to 7 PM, leading to damage like pictures falling off walls and potential foundation issues. Some residents believe the project and the resulting water damage have made their homes unsellable, further increasing their desire to move away from the disruption. Nscale affirmed its commitment to mitigating future impacts, stating, "These are our neighbors, and we’ll be here until the job is done," as more rain is forecasted.