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Residents urge caution on data‑center development; raise water, waste and environmental concerns
Summary
A citizen group representative urged commissioners to scrutinize a proposed data‑center project (referred to as "Project Sale"), raising questions about waste generation, water infrastructure, groundwater recharge impacts and tax incentives.
During the meeting’s public‑comment period, Laura Cobb, speaking on behalf of Citizens for Rural Coweta, urged commissioners to exercise caution regarding a proposed data‑center project reported in public filings as "Project Sale." Cobb said residents are concerned about potential environmental and infrastructure impacts, including daily waste quantities reported in the application, water‑line extensions, and effects on wells and groundwater recharge areas.
Cobb asked whether the county has a firm understanding of potential tax breaks and whether the county uses a formula to estimate fiscal impacts. She said the application reported 800 tons of waste per year and questioned where that waste would go and what it would consist of. Cobb asked who would pay for infrastructure such as a reported 2.5‑mile water line, and whether residents could face eminent domain for water extensions. She urged the county to ensure regulations and protections are in place before permitting data centers in rural zones and to weigh resident health and property value concerns.
The chairman thanked Cobb for comments; county staff noted the board does not engage with speakers during public comment but will have staff address factual inconsistencies after the speaker finishes.
Ending: The comment was entered into the public record; staff may follow up with factual clarifications as the project moves through county review processes.
