SC environmental agency to hold public hearing on Spartanburg data center. What to know if you go.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services will hold a public hearing in Spartanburg on June 25 regarding the NorthMark data center's proposal for 11 natural gas turbines. These turbines are projected to generate over 400 megawatts of power and emit an estimated 990 tons of air pollutants annually. The hearing was requested by a state senator due to environmental concerns, while a minor land development permit for the project remains stalled with Spartanburg County.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has scheduled a public hearing for June 25 in Spartanburg to address concerns over NorthMark data center's proposal for 11 additional natural gas turbines.
These new turbines, intended to generate over 400 megawatts of power, would enable the facility on South Pine Street to produce all its own electricity. However, the SCDES hearing notice indicates they would also emit an estimated 990 tons of air pollutants annually, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other hazardous air pollutants. This is in addition to the 200 tons of pollutants already permitted from existing generators. State Senator Shane Martin, whose district includes the data center, requested the public hearing after The Post and Courier reported on NorthMark's request for increased power generation.
The hearing will begin with an informational session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. where DES staff will answer questions, followed by a public comment session at 6:45 p.m. The department is accepting written comments through July 1. Separately, Spartanburg County has not yet moved forward with a public hearing for a minor land development permit required for the data center's construction.