Early County approves new data center ordinance amid concerns

BLAKELY, GA. (WTVY) -Early County, Georgia commissioners unanimously approved a new data center ordinance Monday night, creating a set of local rules for future projects even as some nearby residents said they remain worried about impacts to water, noise and quality of life.

The vote came after a packed meeting at the Early County Theatre, where residents spoke about the proposed data center site and asked leaders to slow the process and add stronger protections.

“I’m scared to death,” said Leighanne Willis, who lives across from the proposed site. Willis said she learned about the proposal after noticing activity in a nearby field and investigating what was planned.

Lauren Dorminey, who drove about an hour from neighboring Mitchell County, told commissioners that data centers can affect more than just the county where they are built. Dorminey said residents are concerned about water usage from area aquifers, possible contaminants, and soil and air pollution.

County leaders said the ordinance is meant to put guardrails in place before any project moves forward. Chairman Hank Jester said without clear rules, development could become “like the Wild Wild West.”

According to commissioners, the ordinance requires water-efficient cooling systems, sets noise limits, and establishes a 1,000-foot buffer between data centers and any home, school, or church. Officials said they consulted roughly 15 counties across Georgia while drafting the ordinance, which they said has been in progress since December.

The debate also reflected economic pressure in the county. Early County lost Georgia-Pacific, its paper mill, and more than 500 jobs, a hit commissioners said gutted about 10% of the county’s budget. Commissioner Charlie Sol said leaders are looking for ways to rebuild and grow the county.

Willis said she believes the ordinance doesn’t go far enough and hopes county leaders make changes before construction begins. Jester said the county did not act blindly and that the ordinance can be updated as the process continues.

Willis said she is not opposed to data centers altogether, but wants projects placed farther from homes and families. “Bringing it within the city limits and bringing it too close to homes out in the county, I do not go for that at all,” she said.

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