News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has revised the permit for the Valara Data Center in Spartanburg County amidst pollution concerns from activists. While the $2.8 billion project is projected to boost the local economy, environmentalists worry about air quality and emissions. The data center’s operations may significantly impact nearby communities, leading to discussions about potential risks associated with hazardous air pollutants. As the project approaches its 2026 launch, ongoing scrutiny and community discussions about its effects will continue.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina – The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has responded to concerns about pollution from the upcoming Valara Data Center, a $2.8 billion project set to operate in the area by 2026. In August, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) addressed significant worries regarding potential emissions from the facility, sparking discussions about the environmental impact of such development in Spartanburg County.
Following a formal comment period, SCDES revised its permit for the data center, implementing algorithms to monitor monthly emissions and mandating the center to maintain records of its emissions, alongside conducting formaldehyde testing. SELC Senior Attorney Emily Wyche acknowledged the improved permit includes enforceable emissions limits, addressing previous concerns from environmentalists.
While the investment company behind the data center, NorthMark Strategies, has emphasized their intention to minimize any strain on local resources and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, activists, including the Sierra Club Upstate, remain anxious about the air pollution risks posed by the facility. They voiced alarm over the draft permit that purportedly included air pollutant limits deemed “not practically enforceable.”
Environmental Concerns
The SELC’s correspondence stated that the Valara Data Center could potentially rank among the largest sources of hazardous air pollutants in Spartanburg County. This concern is exacerbated by the facility’s operations, which could adversely affect nearby communities already burdened with pollution. NorthMark has countered by asserting that the center will use natural gas to self-generate the power it requires and assured that it will not utilize more water than the prior manufacturing facility at the same site.
Economic Impact
Despite environmental concerns, local governments and business leaders express optimism regarding the financial influx the Valara Data Center could bring, projecting substantial tax revenue for the region. The project is believed to generate approximately 27 jobs. Additionally, the neighboring Cielo Data Center project in Cherokee County is expected to create 30 jobs.
Former Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt referred to the NorthMark Strategies initiative as a “game changer,” illustrating the enthusiasm surrounding its potential contributions to the local economy.
Regulatory Scrutiny
State officials are examining the broader implications of increasing energy demands from numerous data centers on South Carolina’s infrastructure. Legislative hearings have raised points of concern regarding how these demands might affect energy costs for existing residential ratepayers in the state.
In summary, while the SCDES has taken action to mitigate pollution risks associated with the Valara Data Center through stricter regulations, ongoing concerns about air quality and environmental impact remain prevalent among activists. As the project progresses towards its anticipated opening in 2026, both its economic benefits and environmental implications will continue to be focal points of community discussion.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Officials Make Changes to Computing Center Permit After Pollution Concerns
- Wikipedia: Air Pollution
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg County Data Center Pollution
- Google Search: South Carolina Air Pollution
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Upstate Air Quality Alerts
- Google Scholar: Data Centers Environmental Impact
- Fox Carolina: We Are Good Neighbor Investors Responds to Pollution Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Regulations
- Goupstate: Obituaries
- Google News: Valara Data Center
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
