Residents press Lowndes County for data center details and urge ordinance work

Residents urged the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners to provide more information and regulatory oversight on data centers under construction in the county, raising questions about water impacts, security and emergency response.

"What kind of data centers are we talking about? What technology they're using?" Dr. Marco Nola asked, requesting the exact locations and permitting information for two data centers he said are under construction. Dr. Nola said county officials had met with citizen groups and that residents are now using public outreach tools — including a billboard — to educate neighbors and encourage public engagement.

George Fisher, speaking about hydrology and emergency response, described the proposed site as draining toward the Withlacoochee River and expressed concern that surface runoff from impervious surfaces would flow into an aquifer recharge area. "Every drop of water that lands on this area goes into the Withlacoochee River," Fisher said, and he warned that fires at data centers pose special challenges because of diesel generators and lithium‑ion battery systems, which require foam and chemical retardants and special response procedures.

Both speakers urged clearer public disclosure of site locations, technical details and permitting records so independent reviewers can assess risks to drinking water, floodplain management and emergency services. Dr. Nola also thanked commissioners and staff for meeting with citizen groups and said he hoped the county would pursue a balanced data center ordinance to address community concerns while allowing sustainable economic growth.

The commissioners did not provide detailed new information during the public comment period; staff and commissioners acknowledged ongoing conversations and prior meetings but did not announce a specific timeline for publishing location or technical details.

Next steps: Citizens requested specific site locations and permitting documents and asked the county to continue ordinance development and public outreach. The commission may address ordinance language and disclosures in future meetings or work sessions.