Andy Ceperly: How to turn data centers into good neighbors (Opinion)
A Charleston Gazette-Mail opinion article supports Nscale's proposed Monarch Compute Campus near Point Pleasant while urging stronger protections for nearby residents. The author calls for safeguards addressing stormwater, cooling-water use, electricity infrastructure costs and the added demands placed on local services.
Retired mechanical engineer Andy Ceperly writes that data centers can bring jobs, tax revenue and infrastructure improvements to West Virginia, but argues that communities near proposed facilities need clear answers before construction proceeds. His comments focus on Nscale's Monarch Compute Campus near Point Pleasant in Mason County, where site preparation is underway and a sign opposing the project has been posted.
Ceperly identifies four priorities for the project and other developments: improved stormwater controls, transparent disclosure and treatment of cooling-water use, ensuring the facility pays for electricity infrastructure attributable to its operations, and providing host communities with resources for roads, emergency response, security, and water and wastewater services. He also references flooding concerns near the Mason County development and argues that local communities should receive meaningful tax benefits and early funding for new costs.