Page wants public health at the center of conversations about data centers in St. Louis County
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page advocates for integrating public health considerations into the ongoing discussions about data center zoning regulations. While the draft zoning code cannot directly address issues like noise or heat, Page and the Department of Public Health emphasize the need for thorough health, water, and energy assessments for proposed centers. The county is currently accepting public comments on the draft regulations, which will later be reviewed by the planning commission and county council.
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page is advocating for the inclusion of public health considerations in the county's ongoing development of data center zoning regulations. Speaking at a news conference, Page stated the goal is to establish clear rules before specific data center proposals emerge, emphasizing the county's responsibility to protect resident health and welfare in addition to zoning.
The county's planning commission has released draft rules for data center construction in unincorporated areas, a process that began in April. However, these zoning regulations are limited and cannot address potential negative impacts such as heat or noise.
Dr. Kanika Cunningham, director of the Department of Public Health, stressed the necessity of meaningful public health reviews, reliable baseline data, clear water and energy assessments, appropriate noise monitoring, and transparent reporting for any proposed data centers. A working group involved in drafting the rules reportedly consulted with the Department of Public Health.
St. Louis County is currently collecting public input on the draft zoning regulations via email until August 31. The proposed rules are scheduled to be presented to the planning commission in October and will require approval from the St. Louis County Council, which will also hold its own public comment process.