Residents split over data centers as council considers overlay district and moratorium

Colleton County residents used the public-comment period to press opposing views about proposed data centers and the county’s regulatory approach. Frank Santarello, introduced by the chair, challenged several claims about data centers and raised technical concerns and counterclaims about water and chemical hazards, saying, "There is a tooth fairy. There is a sand cost in East Of London" and disputing assertions that data centers would poison local wells. Lee Petrolovich and Andrew Fuller, both residents, argued data centers could bring higher-paying jobs and regional investment, with Petrolovich noting the county’s transportation assets and past private investment and Fuller citing his drilling experience to argue aquifer impacts would be limited.

Several speakers urged council to prioritize clear factual evidence and more public dialogue before approving changes. Marsha Johnson asked that the council weigh long-term economic and environmental implications and use the moratorium period to gather facts: "We need to examine why it is that the percentages of people who are opposed to data centers is such a high percentage." Administrator Thomas and council members framed the ordinances under consideration as responses to public concern and emphasized the need to balance economic opportunity with protections. The public exchange preceded a public hearing and a second reading of a zoning amendment to create a digital infrastructure overlay district and a moratorium provision described by administration staff as applying "to all areas of the county east of I‑95, except zoned industrial," pending the five-year comprehensive-plan update.