Two air permits in process for local Core Scientific data center sites
Georgia's Environmental Protection Division has two air permit applications pending for Core Scientific data center sites in Whitfield County. These permits, for backup diesel generators at an existing facility and a new one, regulate potential air emissions. One public comment period is ongoing, while the other recently closed, with a decision expected soon.
Core Scientific has two separate air permit applications under review by Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for its data center facilities in Whitfield County. One application, No. 29946, is for the existing Dalton 01 facility on Industrial South Road, seeking authorization for eight standby diesel generators with a combined output of 21.6 MW. The public comment period for this permit runs until June 26.
A second application, No. 29951, pertains to a new 250,000 sq. foot data center under development on Old Tilton Road, which proposes up to 80 diesel-fired emergency generators. The public comment period for this permit concluded on April 24, and the EPD confirmed receipt of public comments, with a decision expected soon.
These permits specifically regulate potential air emissions from the backup generators, not the operation of the data centers themselves. The Whitfield County Board rezoned the Old Tilton Road site from agricultural/rural residential to heavy manufacturing in March 2025 to accommodate the new facility. The Dalton Daily Citizen has submitted an Open Records Act request for related documents and plans a series of articles on Core Scientific's expansion in the area, including infrastructure impacts and the permitting process.