Franklin County Residents Seek Restrictions on Data Center Development
Franklin County, Virginia residents are seeking restrictions on data center development, prompting county leaders to scrap existing zoning rules and start from scratch. Concerns include significant water usage and noise, leading to a new state law requiring noise assessments near homes and schools.
Southwest Virginia is experiencing growing opposition to data center development, with at least five counties considering or implementing restrictions. While data centers contribute significantly to the state's economy, generating over $9 billion in 2023 and promising substantial tax revenue for counties like Botetourt ($30 million annually from Google) and Pittsylvania ($50 million annually from a planned facility), local residents are raising concerns about the environmental impact.
Key issues include high water consumption, with Google's facility potentially using millions of gallons daily and necessitating new water supply infrastructure. Noise complaints have also led to a new state law in Virginia, requiring developers to conduct site assessments for noise if a data center is within 500 feet of residential areas or schools. In Franklin County, specific resident concerns about the potential for unchecked development under existing zoning language have prompted county leaders to discard over 400 pages of draft zoning rules, opting to restart the entire process of defining what can be built and where.