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Proposed Arevia Power data centers in Silver Springs draw strong community opposition over water, noise and infrastructure
Summary
At the May 4 Silver Springs Advisory Board meeting, Arevia Power presented plans for data centers that would require purchased water and use closed-loop cooling; residents raised detailed concerns about well impacts, noise, grid demand, housing and whether taxes would benefit the community.
Rafik Albert, executive vice president of Arevia Power, presented packet materials to the Silver Springs Advisory Board on May 4 outlining proposed data-center facilities near Silver Springs and said the company projects $30 million–$78 million in real and personal property tax value and would rely on purchased water and closed-loop air/dry-cooler systems. Albert said Arevia is conducting surveys and collecting community input.
Numerous community members responded during public comment with a series of specific concerns. Residents questioned how much water the facilities would consume, whether imported water and evaporation losses would deplete local groundwater, and whether private wells could be contaminated or run dry. According to the meeting transcript, Commissioner Keller told the group that the cost of digging a deeper well or connecting to public water would fall to the private citizen, a point residents cited as a key legal and financial worry.
Other concerns raised by local speakers included audible and subaudible noise and vibration that could disturb residents and wildlife; increased demand on the electrical grid and potential rate impacts; light and heat effects from facilities; and threats to local emergency-response capacity given limited nearby hospitals, ambulance and fire resources. Residents also noted potential infrastructure gaps—insufficient sewage systems, limited grocery and restaurant options, and no clear housing stock for the permanent workforce the companies expect to bring.
Several speakers pressed whether tax incentives or use of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land would mean the community would not fully receive proposed tax revenue. The transcript records residents’ skepticism about job benefits, noting that many positions could be filled with nonlocal workers rather than Silver Springs residents.
The Advisory Board did not take a formal vote on the proposal. Board and county officials present noted that the project is under study and that Arevia and county staff are collecting community feedback. Commissioner Keller said she has been appointed to a State Land Use board that will examine data centers and solar-field siting statewide and that she intends to bring more information back to the community.
The meeting record shows no formal approvals or binding actions related to the Arevia presentation; staff and company representatives will continue outreach and information-gathering. The board adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
