DeKalb leaders consider data center impact study
DeKalb County commissioners are considering commissioning an independent study of the environmental and health effects of data centers before deciding whether to lift the county's moratorium on new applications. Residents oppose potential hyperscale developments, citing water use, power demand, noise, air pollution and higher utility bills; commissioners are expected to consider the proposal at their next meeting.
DeKalb County commissioners discussed Commissioner Ted Terry's proposal to hire an independent third party to study the environmental and health effects of large data centers on land, water and air. The board took no vote at a meeting at Dunwoody City Hall but placed the measure on the agenda for its next full meeting.
The county's moratorium currently pauses new data center zoning and building applications through March. Residents including Gina Mangham and Rosalind McIntyre raised concerns about health, quality of life, noise, heat islands, air pollution, water systems and increased electricity demand. Terry also said future rules could limit facility size, require renewable energy, prohibit diesel generators and establish buffers near neighborhoods.