Residents express concerns over proposed $11B data center in Appling, Columbia County

A passionate plea for parental responsibility and community concerns over a massive data center dominated the Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 3rd.

One resident, reflecting on her upbringing, argued against government-imposed restrictions on library content, emphasizing the importance of parental oversight in children's reading choices. "The library is for all of us," she stated, advocating for the freedom to access diverse materials while trusting parents to monitor their children's selections. Her perspective highlighted a belief that families should take charge of their values without government interference.

In stark contrast, another resident raised alarms about a proposed $11 billion data center project in Appling, which would encompass 2,000 acres and include 29 buildings. Susan Warren expressed her concerns about the project's potential impact on local utilities and the environment. She questioned the financial burden on taxpayers for necessary upgrades to electricity and water systems, as well as the environmental risks associated with using glycol-based cooling systems near local waterways.

Warren also highlighted the noise pollution expected from the data center, noting that servers and cooling systems could generate sound levels exceeding 100 decibels, which could disrupt the community's peace. "It's not just the decibels; it's the continuous damaging to the psyche," she warned.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions underscored a community grappling with balancing individual freedoms and the implications of large-scale developments. The board's next steps will be crucial in addressing these concerns and shaping the future of Columbia County.