Environmental law group challenges Project River annexation, warns of pollution
The Southern Environmental Law Center is challenging Project River's proposed annexation into Cleveland, Tennessee, citing legal issues and environmental concerns. The group argues the annexation violates state law and warns of significant air pollution, timber consumption, and noise from the planned biomass and natural gas plants for the data center campus. Cleveland is currently developing a customized zoning ordinance (PUD 77) for the project, which faces ongoing scrutiny and opposition.
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has formally challenged Project River's proposed $11.3 billion energy and data center campus in Cleveland, Tennessee. In a nine-page letter to Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks, the City Council, and the Municipal Planning Commission, SELC argues the city lacks the legal authority to annex the 850-acre property from Bradley County. The group contends the parcel does not meet Tennessee's annexation requirements, particularly regarding contiguity with Cleveland and the lack of consent from a neighboring easement holder.
SELC also raised significant environmental objections. The proposed campus includes a 500-megawatt biomass plant and a 1,000-megawatt natural gas plant, intended to power the data center. SELC estimates the biomass plant would be five times larger than any existing in the U.S., potentially consuming timber from 65,000 acres annually. Their calculations suggest the plants could emit 8.5 million tons of CO2, over 3,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 800 tons of particulate matter yearly, potentially making it one of Tennessee's largest polluters. Additionally, concerns were raised about persistent noise, heavy truck traffic, and the feasibility of the project's proposed water recovery system.
The developers, identified as the Wright family, have agreed to the city's proposed PUD 77 requirements, which include a 500-foot data center setback, closed-loop cooling, and continuous emissions monitoring. However, SELC's letter arrives ahead of a special Planning Commission meeting where Project River will be discussed, though no vote is expected until October. SELC is urging city officials to reject both the annexation and the project, highlighting unresolved questions about financing, timber sourcing, water needs, and projected emissions.