Resident urges caution on data centers, cites health and environmental concerns

Catherine Copeland, a resident of unincorporated Paulding County, used the meeting’s public comment period to urge commissioners to consider potential environmental and health risks before approving data centers in the county.

Copeland summarized research she said she reviewed about closed-loop data-center cooling systems, saying such systems rely on corrosion inhibitors, biocides and antifreeze blends that can accumulate as water is recycled and require periodic ‘blowdown’ discharges. She asserted those additives can be toxic to aquatic life and claimed long-term human health concerns including cancer risks, saying: "These additives are potent compounds that when metabolized by the body damage DNA and alkali cell components. They primarily increase the risk of cancers in the liver, lungs, esophagus, stomach, and bladder." Copeland asked commissioners why the county would not wait for federal health reviews before allowing more data centers.

She also cited a datacentermap.com count (as of May 3, 2026) that the United States has 4,088 data centers and that Georgia lists 212 across 15 markets; she noted this total did not include data centers in Douglasville and asked rhetorically, "How many data centers are gonna be enough?" Copeland raised additional concerns about traffic, noise and potential loss of property-tax benefits for residents, and she encouraged the board to consider children's long-term wellbeing when weighing approvals.

The board did not provide a substantive response to the health- and environment-focused claims during the recorded public comment period. Copeland concluded by offering to submit additional information by email.

The public comment was timed and the board voted to grant her an extra two minutes before she finished. No action was taken during the meeting in direct response to the comments.