Franklin County leaders respond to data center opposition
Franklin County leaders are addressing public opposition regarding data centers, primarily focusing on significant water usage concerns. Residents are worried about the impact of data center operations on local water resources, particularly groundwater and the Roanoke River watershed, which affects Smith Mountain Lake. There's a call for authorities to investigate upstream water usage.
Franklin County leaders are responding to community opposition concerning data center development, with a primary focus on the environmental impact, particularly water resources. During a public discussion, a speaker highlighted that approximately 90% of the county's water supply originates from wells, groundwater, and springs, underscoring the vital need to protect this natural resource. The speaker expressed concern about data centers' high water consumption, citing a Verizon data center in neighboring Botetourt County that reportedly spills 1.5 million gallons of water daily.
The discussion emphasized that the Roanoke Valley's water feeds into the Roanoke River, which in turn contributes 70% of the water in Smith Mountain Lake, a crucial resource for Franklin County. Given that Franklin County only provides about 30% of the lake's water through Blackwater and Giles Creek, residents are keen to understand and address what is happening upstream. A request was made for the West Virginia Water Authority to provide a report on the Roanoke River watershed and Smith Mountain Lake to assess the potential impact on the county's water supply.