York County, searching for the right experts, may extend its data center moratorium
York County officials expect to extend the county’s data center moratorium while they seek an independent expert to study potential impacts and help develop permanent rules. The review will examine energy, water, environmental, noise, health, property and community concerns, while QTS’s approved Lake Wylie project will not be affected except for possible future expansion.
York County, South Carolina, is preparing to seek outside expertise on data center development and likely extend its nine-month moratorium, which runs through mid-April. Assistant County Manager Tom Couch said finding an independent consultant could be difficult because many data center experts are aligned with the industry. A study could cost at least $200,000 and would include community meetings, surveys and analysis of energy, water, environmental, noise, health, property and community impacts.
The county is considering rules that would restrict on-site power generation, strengthen right-of-way buffers, require decommissioning plans, limit groundwater use and require confirmation that utilities can serve proposed sites. The rules would not change the approved QTS data center under construction in Lake Wylie, though they could affect an expansion or future projects. Community opposition has remained strong, with residents raising concerns about power and water consumption, noise and other impacts at county meetings. No date has been set for a County Council vote on extending the moratorium.