- West Virginia announced that it is welcoming data centers to stimulate economic growth.
- Clearview Dynamics is seeking land through the Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority for potential data center development.
Starwood Plaza 500 Data Center Project Faces Regulatory Scrutiny in Virginia
What happened
A project named Starwood Plaza 500 has been announced for a data center located off Edsall Road, near the Alexandria-Fairfax border in Virginia. The proposed site is a former lumber yard situated next to the densely populated West End. The project requires various permits regarding its electrical, water, and air usage.
From alextimes.com
Why it matters
Concerns center on the potential impact on local resources, including the Chesapeake and Potomac aquifers, which are declining and face saltwater intrusion. The project requires permits for up to 200 megawatts of backup diesel and natural-gas generators, raising air pollution concerns. A 2024 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission noted that data centers are incompatible with residential areas due to adverse impacts.
From alextimes.com
Who's involved
- VirginiaState of Virginia where the project is located and regulated.
- Virginia Department of Environmental QualityVirginia Department of Environmental Quality, responsible for reviewing water and air permits.
- Fairfax CountyFairfax County, which borders the project site.
- AlexandriaAlexandria, a nearby municipality to the project site.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- VirginiaSpeculative
The state might face challenges regarding the management of critical groundwater supplies.
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The entities involved
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Virginia
state of the United States of America