Ohio EPA clarifies water facility mandate for Ashville data center project
EdgeConneX and PowerConneX facilities in Ashville, Ohio, are tied to a $35 million infrastructure project to address EPA-mandated sewer improvements, which the data center company has agreed to fund. There is a local public hearing scheduled for August 19, 2026, regarding PowerConneX's proposed natural gas-fired power generation facility for the data center. The Ohio EPA clarified that it did not mandate a new water facility, but rather the Village of Ashville chose to build one to meet future demand.
Discussion has arisen in Ashville, Ohio, regarding the financial aspects of the EdgeConneX and PowerConneX data center facilities, particularly concerning a new water facility and EPA-mandated infrastructure improvements. Village Administrator Bert Cline previously stated that EdgeConneX agreed to fund a $35 million infrastructure project to repair storm and sanitary sewer cross-connections, a project he indicated was mandated by the Ohio EPA.
Cline noted that without the data center's support, this project would impose a significant financial burden on Ashville residents, costing approximately $127.33 per month per water tap for 30 years. He also highlighted that the data center is expected to bring $105 million to local schools over 15 years and provide funding for local services. These financial agreements were included in Resolution 06-2026, the Development and Supply Agreement (DSA) Term Summary, between EdgeConneX/PowerConneX, the Village of Ashville, Teays Valley Local School District, and Harrison Township.
However, a Public Information Officer for the Ohio EPA, Anthony Chenault, clarified that the Ohio EPA is not requiring the Village of Ashville to build a new water facility. Chenault stated that the village chose to construct a new facility to address future demand and informed the EPA of its decision, adding that the EPA would work with them on necessary environmental permits. He explained that Ohio law requires public water systems to maintain and repair facilities, and the decision to replace or build new equipment rests with the PWS when equipment reaches its lifespan.
An OPSB local public hearing is scheduled for August 19, 2026, at Teays Valley High School concerning PowerConneX's plan to build a natural gas-fired power generation facility to support the EdgeConneX data center. The article questions whether the clarification from the Ohio EPA will influence the Ohio Power Siting Board's decision regarding this power facility.