Fairfield County residents raise concerns about potential data centers near Jenkinsville
Fairfield County residents raised concerns about potential data centers near Jenkinsville, including environmental effects, water use, infrastructure costs and quality-of-life impacts. The county is under a 12-month data center moratorium and is considering an ordinance that could require reclaimed-water use, water recycling and developer-funded infrastructure.
Residents of Fairfield County gathered in Jenkinsville to discuss the potential effects of future data center development, despite county officials saying no specific project is currently planned. Concerns included environmental impacts, rising costs, water use and changes to quality of life, while local leaders urged residents to learn more about the facilities and prepare for additional public meetings.
Fairfield County remains under a 12-month moratorium on data centers. County Administrator Vic Carpenter said a future ordinance could require operators to recycle water, use reclaimed wastewater where feasible and pay for infrastructure needed to support their facilities. Jenkinsville Mayor Gregrey Ginyard and Council Member Carl Bell participated in the community discussion, one of three planned meetings, with the next scheduled for Jan. 7 in Ridgeway.