Wofford researchers track air quality near Valara data center site before turbines come online
Wofford College researchers are installing air-quality monitors near a future Valara Holdings data center site in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, to establish baseline particulate-matter levels before the facility's natural-gas-powered equipment begins operating. They have recorded elevated readings during construction and express concerns about potential air pollution from the proposed 24 natural-gas generators and 11 turbines, which would effectively create one of the state's largest natural-gas power plants. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services is reviewing permits for additional turbines, and the Spartanburg County Council has scheduled a special public safety committee meeting to discuss the project.
A team of Wofford College researchers is proactively monitoring air quality near the proposed Valara Holdings data center site in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Led by Dr. Jennifer Bradham, an associate professor of environmental studies, and retired professor Dr. Terry Ferguson, the team has deployed PurpleAir sensors to establish baseline particulate-matter (PM2.5) levels prior to the data center's natural-gas-powered equipment becoming operational.
The researchers express significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding air pollution. Sensors have already registered PM2.5 readings above 100 during the construction phase, which is considered "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" by the EPA. This is before the facility's 24 already-approved natural-gas generators and 11 additional natural-gas-fired turbines, currently under review by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, begin operation. Dr. Ferguson highlighted that the facility, if built as proposed, would effectively function as one of the state's largest natural-gas-fired power plants.
Key concerns include the emission of fine particulate matter, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, and hazardous air pollutants like formaldehyde, for which no monitoring is currently planned. Bradham notes that these impacts would not be localized but could affect the "greater Upstate" region. The researchers also question the adequacy of South Carolina's existing toxic air-pollutant regulations, suggesting a provision for facilities burning "virgin fuel" could exempt the project from certain requirements.
The research team, while not opposing data centers generally, advocates for comprehensive baseline air-quality data and ongoing monitoring. The Spartanburg County Council is scheduled to hold a special Public Safety Committee meeting on the Valara data center to discuss the project further.