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Columbia County approves data‑center zoning despite public concern over noise, water and transparency
Summary
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 approved second reading of Ordinance No. 25‑07 establishing a DC (data center) zoning district after multiple residents warned the ordinance’s 70 dB property‑line noise allowance and potential water and power impacts could harm nearby households; the board pressed ahead citing contractual and regulatory constraints.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved second reading of Ordinance No. 25‑07 on Dec. 2, creating a new DC data‑center district and amending several sections of Chapter 90.
Residents who live near proposed data‑center sites spoke at length during public comment, raising concerns about noise limits, water consumption and the county’s public engagement. Brian Barefoot of Ray Owens Road said the ordinance’s 70‑decibel property‑line limit is too high, noting that EPA guidance and other counties use lower thresholds and that low‑frequency “humming” from cooling systems can carry for miles. “If you truly want to…
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