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Residents urge moratorium or ban on data centers, citing noise and water concerns
Summary
Dozens of residents asked Smyth County to enact a moratorium or outright ban on data centers, warning of noise, groundwater and long-term environmental costs in written comments and in-person testimony.
During the June 25 joint hearing, multiple speakers urged the county to pause or prohibit data centers. Several written comments submitted before the hearing explicitly asked for a moratorium. "I believe we, as a County, need to place a moratorium on all data centers at this time," wrote Fairfax Arnold. Sandie Seymour urged a permanent prohibition: "NO Data Centers will ever be considered in Smyth County!"
Public commenters said local water supplies, scenic character and long-term community health could be threatened by large data facilities. Meeting minutes record more than 150 attendees and 29 speakers who raised concerns about noise, increased utility costs, environmental contaminants and threats to the county's rural character. Supervisors invited citizens to continue outreach to district supervisors as staff evaluates possible ordinance changes and next steps.
