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Residents press commission for moratorium or ban on data centers over noise, water and health fears
Summary
Multiple Miami County residents urged a temporary moratorium or outright ban on data centers, citing concerns about generator noise, water discharge, EMR/EMF frequencies and potential health impacts; commissioners cautioned a total ban could prompt legal challenges.
During the public-comment period on March 11, several residents urged the Plan Commission to halt data-center development while the county crafts rules. Bob Johnson said he was "in favor of a complete ban," and suggested a five-year moratorium would be an acceptable compromise if a ban were not legally feasible. Other commenters raised questions about water discharge locations and proposed stricter nighttime noise limits.
Residents also voiced health and safety concerns. Jeff Sims questioned whether data centers and their water usage could relate to higher local cancer rates; DeWayne Bowen asked who would monitor EMR and EMF emissions. Commissioners responded that some concerns involve areas outside county regulatory authority and warned that a wholesale ban could be vulnerable in court. During the exchange Amanda Stewart asked, "What is the Return on Investment for the community by letting a data center come in? Short answer is none," summarizing skepticism from several speakers.
The commission did not adopt a ban. Instead, after hearing public comments, the commission voted to schedule a separate public hearing in April on a proposed temporary moratorium to allow more time for ordinance drafting and public input.
