McCormick County residents weigh in on proposed data center

McCORMICK, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A public meeting drew a packed crowd to the McCormick Country Club on Monday as residents raised concerns about a possible data center project in McCormick County.

The meeting took place one day before the county commissioners are scheduled to meet on Tuesday.

Neighbors described the area as a rural community centered around the lake, tourism, and natural resources.

“So it’s a super rural community. The largest part of it is a retirement community. It’s on the water and it’s on the lake. So it’s a natural resource kind of community, a tourism community. We are pro-business, we are for the industry, but we need the protections in place,” a resident explained.

Feds look to build massive data center at Savannah River Site

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration has picked engineering firm Amentum to begin negotiating a lease.

The data center is not listed on the commission’s agenda, but neighbors said they believe the project will still come up for discussion.

Residents have raised concerns about noise, heavy water use and strain on local resources.

Data centers seem to be a big topic this week in the CSRA:

Augusta leaders on Tuesday will get input and decide on a data center zoning policy.

The federal government on Monday announced a proposal to build a massive data center at the Savannah River Site, complete with its own power facility.