Warren County Commission to revise proposed data center rules following public input
The Warren County Commission is revising its proposed data center regulations after a public hearing in which residents raised concerns about noise, lighting, environmental studies, generator usage, setbacks, and decommissioning. The commission directed its legal counsel to incorporate several changes, including increasing setbacks and adding decommissioning clauses, before an upcoming vote.
The Warren County Commission in Missouri is actively revising its proposed zoning regulations for data processing facilities following a public hearing held on September 8. Presiding Commissioner Joe Gildehaus stated that these modernizations aim to be fair, consistent, and protective of property rights, emphasizing that they do not approve any specific project, which would still require a full public process.
Residents voiced various concerns regarding future data center developments. Lisa Buchheit and Jess Sutton questioned noise and lighting impacts, suggesting additional requirements for reduction. Sutton also inquired about the independence of environmental impact studies, to which Commissioner Matt Flake and County Counselor Bradley Pryor clarified that property owners typically hire scientists for these studies as part of their site plans, which are then reviewed by the county.
Key suggestions from the public, particularly from resident Anna Farrar, included regulating entire data center campuses as single developments to prevent loopholes in generator usage and fuel storage, and imposing conditions on generator operation to prevent their use solely for cost savings. Farrar also stressed the importance of requiring decommissioning clauses and financial assurance to prevent the county from being left with hazardous waste if a facility closes.
Responding to public input, the commissioners approved motions for legal counsel to review and incorporate changes. These include adding language for decommissioning, tightening rules on generator limits per site, and increasing setbacks from neighboring properties from 100 feet to a minimum of 200 feet, and from the nearest residence to at least 300 feet. The commission plans to review a revised draft order for consideration and possible approval at a meeting on September 24.