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Resident urges Burke County to limit high‑energy data centers, citing noise, water and grid concerns
Summary
During public comment, resident Steve Starns urged the board to adopt zoning standards for high‑energy data centers — including crypto mining — citing concerns about 24/7 power use, industrial noise, water consumption and secrecy of operators.
Steve Starns of Connley Springs used his allotted public comment time at the March 16 Burke County commissioners meeting to urge the board to take a “firm, proactive stance” against an unchecked spread of cryptocurrency‑mining data centers.
Starns said these facilities are not traditional employers and described them as heavy, constant energy users that strain the grid, produce industrial‑level noise from thousands of cooling fans, and can demand significant water for evaporative cooling systems. He also alleged that operators often use shell companies and non‑disclosure practices that reduce public transparency about ownership, energy and water demand, and siting plans.
"These operations are not traditional industries. They bring massive energy consumption, constant industrial noise, high water usage, and minimal long‑term job creation," Starns said, and urged the board to create a dedicated zoning classification for high‑energy data centers so the county can regulate siting, transparency and infrastructure impacts.
The board acknowledged receipt of his handout and did not take immediate action during the meeting. No county staff responded to the specific proposals during public comment; the matter was not scheduled as an agenda item for formal consideration at this meeting.
