Putnam County Commission approves data center resolution; developers must comply with county rules going forward
The Putnam County Commission officially adopted a resolution for data centers, prompted by citizen group Putnam United, to ensure developers comply with stricter county rules. These rules impose requirements for utility cost responsibility, water protection, and nuisance mitigation. Google's data center project in Buffalo is already adhering to these new county regulations.
The Putnam County Commission in West Virginia has officially adopted a resolution to regulate hyperscale data centers, following a proposal from the citizen group Putnam United. This resolution aims to ensure data centers are evaluated beyond just their financial impact, addressing community, ratepayer, and environmental concerns. County Commission President Andy Skidmore acknowledged Putnam United's input and stated the resolution was a collaborative effort among the commissioners and county manager Tim Hanna.
The resolution mandates that data center developers fully fund all water, sewer, and power upgrades to prevent costs from shifting to ratepayers, challenging the implications of West Virginia's House Bill 2014, which previously limited county control. It also requires mandatory developer-funded water-feasibility studies, adherence to West Virginia DEP compliance for water protection, and the implementation of sound-dampening enclosures and dark-sky lighting to mitigate noise and light pollution.
Google, which announced plans for a data center in Buffalo in March, is reportedly already complying with Putnam County's new rules and is proceeding through the county's planning commission. The county seeks to capture economic benefits while protecting public resources and local character.