McCormick County residents get first look at Pollard data center, pipeline proposal
McCormick County residents attended a meeting to learn about a proposed data center and natural gas pipeline project by Pard Lumber Company. The project faces significant public opposition, and the county is considering new zoning rules and a moratorium on data centers. The proposed data center would consume substantial water and require a natural gas pipeline.
McCormick County residents gathered in a packed meeting to receive details on a proposed data center and natural gas pipeline project championed by Pard Lumber Company. The company, which owns a 1,000-acre site between Whitetown Road and Main Street, outlined plans for a multi-year construction project that would utilize between 300,000 to 500,000 gallons of water daily and include a natural gas pipeline into the county with Kinder Morgan. Pard Lumber claims the data center's undisclosed end-user would cover the pipeline's $200-$280 million cost and that they would also fund upgrades to county water and sewer lines, adhering to a proposed 55-decibel sound limit and natural buffers.
Despite these assurances, the community reacted with strong opposition, booing presenters throughout the meeting. Residents voiced concerns about noise impacts on nearby schools and a perceived lack of concrete facts from the developers.
Concurrently, McCormick County officials are considering new regulations and a potential moratorium on data center developments, reflecting broader community sentiment regarding such projects.