News Summary
A $2.76 billion data center project in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, is raising environmental concerns while promising economic growth. The facility, announced by NorthMark Strategies, is set to begin operations by 2026 but faces scrutiny over its natural gas usage and potential air pollution from harmful emissions. Despite reassurances from the developers regarding compliance with regulations, local advocates fear the center could worsen existing environmental and health issues in the area.
Spartanburg County, South Carolina is witnessing significant investment and environmental scrutiny as a $2.76 billion data center project is underway at 4000 S. Pine St. Announced by NorthMark Strategies, this initiative represents the second-largest single investment in South Carolina to date and is expected to become operational by 2026.
The data center will generate its own power using natural gas, a factor that has raised concerns among environmental advocates. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and Sierra Club Upstate have expressed serious reservations about the facility’s potential impact, particularly regarding air pollution. They have warned that the data center could release harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
Formaldehyde is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a carcinogen that poses risks when inhaled, while nitrogen oxides can negatively affect respiratory health. The SELC has criticized the draft air permit associated with the project for lacking enforceable limits on these emissions, raising the possibility that the data center could become one of the largest contributors to hazardous air pollutants in Spartanburg County.
The public comment period for the draft air permit ran from July 18 to August 16, 2025, although the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) is still evaluating additional feedback received after this deadline. Depending on the input provided, the DES has indicated that the conditions for the permit could be revised.
Despite these environmental concerns, NorthMark Strategies has asserted that the data center will comply with all regulatory standards and aim to minimize its impact on local resources. Local leaders have touted the project as a potential “game changer” for the Upstate economy, suggesting it could foster growth for small businesses and attract further investments to the area.
The county government is actively promoting the data center with various incentives, including a reduced property tax rate. Proponents of the project contend that such measures are essential for boosting economic development and enhancing community welfare.
However, environmental advocates remain apprehensive, citing that the local community already grapples with various environmental and health challenges. They fear that the establishment of the data center could exacerbate these issues, imposing additional strain on an already vulnerable population.
The SELC’s concerns underscore a broader debate on how best to balance economic development with environmental protection. As Spartanburg County grapples with these pivotal issues, the outcome of the DES’s review process and the final conditions of the air permit will be crucial in determining the project’s path forward.
This ongoing situation highlights the tension between economic aspirations and environmental responsibility in the face of substantial investment projects. The community remains watchful as new developments unfold regarding both the economic prospects and environmental health tied to the data center’s operation.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg County Data Center Pollution
- SC Daily Gazette: $2.8B Computing Center Proposed
- Wikipedia: Air Pollution
- Google Search: Spartanburg County data center environmental concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Formaldehyde
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.
