Noting the need for more information and concerns about potential impacts, county commissioners approved a 120-day moratorium on data centers in the county at Monday’s meeting.
Three speakers at the public hearing expressed concern, support and caution on data centers.
Cecil Nance said data centers could be an economic windfall for the county. He said data centers will increase salaries for all county workers. He also said that concerns over water and power usage were misplaced. He said all services for data centers are handled “in house,” and would not have a negative impact on the county. He said taxes would be the equivalent of “nine-tenths” of the county’s current annual budget and domestic product for the county.
“The intent is to bring jobs back to the county after losing the tobacco industry and manufacturing,” he said.
Nance also said that one proposed data center would put 25 megawatts of electricity back into Brunswick Electric Membership Cooperative.
Karen Riggins of Hallsboro said she is concerned about the impact data centers might have on future generations.
“My main concern is water quality and availability,” she said, “…not only to for today’s generations but for generations to come.”
She said too many questions also remain unanswered about the potential impacts on air quality and negative impacts, and potential environmental impacts on Lake Waccamaw, the Green Swamp and other areas.
“How will this impact our electricity?” she said. “My light bill keeps going up. I’m already being told during the summer time to run my dryer during off peak hours, and turn my air conditioning up a little. How is that going to be affecting us with the data centers?
“One small data center can use the same amount of electricity that 71,000 homes use in a month. How will that affect us long term?”
Latoya Beatty of Bolton said she supports the moratorium.
“As a millennial who grew up with technology I understand the benefits new industry could bring to our county,” she said, “but before we allow data centers that could have significant impact on our water supply, our drainage, our infrastructure, and our natural resources, we need to take the time to completely study those impacts. A 120-day ban gives us time to carefully study to see if our current infrastructure and regulations are adequate to protect our communities.
“This is not about saying yes or no to data centers. This is about making sure we have time to make the right decision.”
Commissioner Giles “Buddy” Byrd made the motion for the moratorium, but asked if the Brunswick-Columbus Industrial Park would be affected. Assistant County Attorney Misty Jorgensen said that no permits for data centers have been officially filed.
Commissioner Laverne Coleman seconded Byrd’s motion. Coleman also wanted to ensure that the moratorium could be lifted before 120 days if the board chose to do so.
Commission Rickey Bullard shared some information he had researched about data centers.
“I am not for or against them,” he said, noting that he leaves the board in December. He urged the board to think of the “long term” impacts. Commissioner Barbara Featherson agreed.
“It’s good that we take this time to study,” she said. “I’ve never done without water, but I have done without data centers.”
