Facebook’s New Albany, Ohio, Data Center : This is the image that New England Edge recommended the Town Council look at to get an idea of what data centers look like.
The Town of Groton is considering an agreement with a newly formed company called New England Edge that would allow the company to place a large data center on 173 forested acres immediately west of Flanders Rd and below Rte. I-95. A data center is essentially a building filled with computers that collect, distribute, and store data from its customers. Groton Conservation Advocates is concerned the town may make an agreement before they have seen a business plan or are fully aware of the consequences for Groton. The Council is under heavy pressure from the company to vote to approve the center at its March 8th meeting. Issues of concern:
Economic: The center is guaranteed property tax exemptions for 20 to 30 years. Is this in the town’s best interest? Water, electric and sewer hookups will be needed, at whose expense? The Council should seek answers to these questions before signing an agreement.
Environmental: Permitting the development of this property is a move in the wrong direction for Groton. The property is fully covered by mature trees and removing large swaths of trees goes against the town’s purported goal of not contributing to global warming. The town should require that the data center be carbon neutral. Numerous wetlands and vernal pools occur on this property. These need to be carefully protected. Data centers require huge amounts of electricity and water to run. Will Groton’s water supply be protected in times of drought from overuse by the data center? A closed loop water system should be used. During testing and power outages, diesel fuel will power generators which will pollute our air and make a lot of noise, so noise abatement will be needed. Will the two main pollutants on data center properties--diesel fuel and batteries—be properly managed and controlled?
These are just a few of the questions GCA has about this project. We will keep you informed as the project moves forward.