The hidden costs of building a data center in Wyandot County
A company has proposed building a data center and a 150-megawatt natural gas power plant north of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, sparking significant local discussion and opposition. Residents are raising concerns about environmental impacts, including pollution, water usage, noise, and light, as well as the significant tax abatements that data centers receive in Ohio, questioning the actual local benefits.
A proposed data center development paired with a 150-megawatt natural gas power plant near Upper Sandusky, Ohio, has ignited significant community debate, according to Brian Hemminger writing for TiffinOhio.net. The potential project, which would span 150 acres and cost an estimated $600 million for the data center and an additional $300 million for the power plant, is a focal point of discussion in Wyandot County.
Local residents are concerned about the environmental impact, despite proponents stating the natural gas plant would be more efficient than coal and the data center would use a maximum of 100,000 gallons of water daily without stressing the city's treatment plant. Critics highlight that natural gas plants still produce carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and unburned methane, and cooling water can contain pollutants like metals and biocides. Noise from cooling systems and continuous exterior lighting also present concerns. The company Smartland Energy is noted as representing the proposed data center.
Another major point of contention is the economic benefit to the community. Ohio currently offers substantial tax exemptions to data centers, waiving up to 100% of the 5.75% state sales tax for up to 15 years for facilities costing over $100 million. This policy, established by Republican lawmakers, cost the state nearly $1.6 billion and local communities $166.8 million in lost tax revenue last year. While the project is expected to bring 100 permanent jobs and improved infrastructure, residents are questioning if these benefits outweigh the potential environmental costs and significant tax abatements.