Residents urge moratorium and stricter rules on data centers; council says it is studying options

Several residents used the council’s public‑comment period on Jan. 26 to press the county to adopt rules and a temporary moratorium on data‑center development.

One speaker urged the council to adopt countywide data‑center ordinances that would require limits and disclosure on water use and cooling methods, independent hydrology and watershed impact studies, restrictions on siting in environmentally sensitive areas, and enforceable monitoring and reporting. The speaker also suggested a six‑month moratorium while the county drafts and approves ordinances. "We respectfully ask that Edgefield County, consider a moratorium against any data center land development applications for the next 6 months until ordinances can be developed," the speaker said.

Other commenters echoed concerns about groundwater, streams, wildlife, noise, heat, traffic, and lack of enforceable countywide standards. Susan Lam, who identified herself as new to the county, said many neighbors are unaware of data‑center proposals and later become concerned when they learn of their effects.

Council members responded that county staff and economic development have been discussing data centers and that the county is "on this" behind the scenes; one council member said the county’s current electric-capacity situation makes an immediate data‑center arrival unlikely. Administrator and planning staff also noted the planning commission maintains an email list for project notifications and that a tree‑preservation ordinance will be on the February agenda, which staff said may address some concerns about vegetation and buffers.

Next steps: Council members said staff are working on standards and will bring proposals forward; residents urged formal public updates and persistent outreach while staff develops ordinance language.

Sources: Public comments and council responses at the Jan. 26 meeting.