3 Rivers and Carroll County analyze water concerns for Villa Rica data center proposal

In a recent Villa Rica government meeting, officials discussed critical concerns surrounding a proposed data center development, particularly focusing on environmental impacts and water supply issues. The meeting highlighted feedback from 3 Rivers and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluations of water capacity and sustainability measures.

One of the primary concerns raised was the potential high water demand of the data center, which could strain local resources. Council members stressed the importance of assessing groundwater recharge areas and exploring cooling technologies that could minimize water consumption. The Piedmont and Blue Ridge crystalline rock aquifer system, which ranks second nationally for domestic drinking water supply, was identified as a significant resource that could be affected by the project.

Councilman Teal clarified that while 3 Rivers provided comments for consideration, they did not take a definitive stance for or against the project. Instead, their feedback included recommendations for addressing environmental and water management issues during the planning process. The council acknowledged the necessity of a traffic study and the importance of adhering to state and federal regulations regarding land disturbance and stormwater management.

Residents expressed concerns about the adequacy of water supply for the proposed development. Council members assured the public that any project would require a utilities availability letter, ensuring that water and sewer services are sufficient before moving forward. Discussions also indicated that a development agreement would be necessary to outline water and sewer capacity, with the potential for contributions to the local system if needed.

As the council moves forward, they plan to ensure that any development aligns with community needs and environmental sustainability, addressing residents' concerns about water usage and infrastructure impacts. The next steps will involve further assessments and reports to provide a clearer picture of how the project will affect Villa Rica's resources and residents.