Public hearing scheduled over Richmond County data center noise concerns | WSOC-TV
Richmond County residents are protesting proposed data center developments by Amazon and Digital Realty due to concerns about noise and air pollution from diesel generators. A public hearing with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is scheduled to discuss air quality permits for the projects. Opposition is ongoing as residents express fears about their quality of life.
Residents in Richmond County, North Carolina, are actively protesting planned data center developments by Amazon and Digital Realty, citing significant concerns over potential noise and air pollution. The protest occurred ahead of a public hearing with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding air quality permits for the projects.
Russ Finchim organized the protest, highlighting that Amazon's proposed complex would house 588 diesel-powered generators for emergency use, with an additional 50 temporary generators running 24/7 during construction while the primary power source is established. Residents, including Crystal Codbler, expressed worries about the impact on their quality of life and the rural character of the area, stating that the construction is already loud and the generators will make it "a million times louder."
The DEQ is reviewing two air quality permits: one for Amazon's 588 emergency generators and another temporary request from Duke Energy for 57 generators to be used during construction. Amazon states its generators exceed EPA standards and run, on average, 10 hours per year, emitting a fraction of allowed emissions. Duke Energy clarified that the temporary generators would be leased from the nearby Smith Energy Complex, are not connected to Duke's electrical grid, and Amazon is responsible for their costs. Channel 9 Eyewitness News was scheduled to cover the public meeting.