Residents urge county to scrutinize data center proposals, citing water and environmental concerns

Several residents used the public comment period to urge the commission to scrutinize proposed data center development and recent rezoning decisions.

Susan Whaling told the board she was "blown away" by approval of rezoning for light manufacturing on property near commercial corridors and said she has heard of a potential data center near Exit 13. Whaling cited research she said shows data centers can use "from 300,000 gallons a day to 1,000,000" and said her group will host researchers on Feb. 19 to present findings. She asked the county and city to coordinate to avoid permitting developments that could strain water resources, increase noise and affect property values.

Lee Touchton also spoke about environmental and climate impacts, saying data centers are significant CO2 emitters and noting regional water shortages in South Georgia. Touchton urged the commission to avoid political endorsements and complained about what she described as inappropriate language she said she witnessed in federal agent training videos; those remarks were a separate political and ethical appeal.

Commissioners did not take immediate regulatory action during the meeting. Members of the public said they had formed a group to research and oppose data centers if necessary and invited commissioners to a February meeting with researchers. The transcript records residents expressing concerns and raising research to support their case; no county decision on data center policy or moratorium was made at the session.