Early County approves new data center ordinance amid concerns
Early County, Georgia commissioners unanimously approved a new data center ordinance, creating local rules for future projects despite residents' concerns about water, noise, and quality of life impacts from a proposed site. The ordinance mandates water-efficient cooling, noise limits, and a 1,000-foot buffer between data centers and sensitive areas.
BLAKELY, GA. – Early County, Georgia commissioners unanimously approved a new data center ordinance on Monday night, establishing a set of local regulations for prospective projects. The decision followed a public meeting at the Early County Theatre, where numerous residents voiced concerns regarding the potential impacts of data centers on water, noise, and overall quality of life.
Residents, including Leighanne Willis, who lives near a proposed site, expressed anxieties about the development, noting she learned of the plans only after observing activity in a nearby field. Lauren Dorminey, traveling from Mitchell County, highlighted broader concerns about water usage from regional aquifers, potential contaminants, and environmental pollution.
County leaders, including Chairman Hank Jester, emphasized that the ordinance aims to create necessary "guardrails" to prevent uncontrolled development. The regulations include requirements for water-efficient cooling systems, specific noise limits, and a mandatory 1,000-foot buffer zone between data centers and homes, schools, or churches. Officials stated the ordinance has been in development since December, with consultation from approximately 15 other Georgia counties.
The debate also underscored the county's economic challenges, particularly the loss of the Georgia-Pacific paper mill and over 500 jobs, which impacted a significant portion of the county's budget. Commissioner Charlie Sol indicated the county is actively seeking avenues for economic growth. Willis, however, believes the ordinance does not go far enough, advocating for data centers to be situated further from residential areas, while acknowledging she is not against data centers entirely.