I'm curious about the proposal for constructing data centers. What is proposed exactly? Reports I've read about data centers cause me to be concerned about the environmental impact that they would have in our community and to the world at large. I understand that they are very noisy, use thousands of kilowatts of electricity, and use millions of gallons of water.
Thanks, Hilary. It's reports like this one that concern me. I'm not sure what the plans for building data centers here entail. It seems like a guarded secret, and that concerns me too.
Thank you so much for this. Please, continue to post about this. My property and where I grew up is less than 3 miles away . I do not want this. The data centers alone cause so much harm. 😞
I agree strongly with Jennifer Heinz’s concern about water resources. As Orange County residents who operated a kayak tour business on the Rapidan River for almost 10 years, my husband and I have witnessed a marked decline in the river water level even during times without drought conditions. Both Greene and Orange counties use the Rapidan River as their main source of public water supply and both counties are experiencing increased residential and industrial development. This has resulted in a greater demand of water from the Rapidan River. This is a small river and there is a finite amount of water available for an ever increasing demand. The water supply issue should be foremost in the Board of Supervisors concerns for Orange County.
I'm curious about the proposal for constructing data centers. What is proposed exactly? Reports I've read about data centers cause me to be concerned about the environmental impact that they would have in our community and to the world at large. I understand that they are very noisy, use thousands of kilowatts of electricity, and use millions of gallons of water.
Ray, I'll be investigating this. In the meantime, here's a relevant report from ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/data-centers-fuel-ai-crypto-threaten-climate-experts/story?id=109342525.
Thanks, Hilary. It's reports like this one that concern me. I'm not sure what the plans for building data centers here entail. It seems like a guarded secret, and that concerns me too.
Thank you so much for this. Please, continue to post about this. My property and where I grew up is less than 3 miles away . I do not want this. The data centers alone cause so much harm. 😞
Thanks for writing. I'll definitely keep reporting on this proposed development.
Thanks for reporting, Hilary. Keep up the good work.
I agree strongly with Jennifer Heinz’s concern about water resources. As Orange County residents who operated a kayak tour business on the Rapidan River for almost 10 years, my husband and I have witnessed a marked decline in the river water level even during times without drought conditions. Both Greene and Orange counties use the Rapidan River as their main source of public water supply and both counties are experiencing increased residential and industrial development. This has resulted in a greater demand of water from the Rapidan River. This is a small river and there is a finite amount of water available for an ever increasing demand. The water supply issue should be foremost in the Board of Supervisors concerns for Orange County.
Beth, Thanks for your comment. The next time I report on Wilderness Crossing, I'll be sure to ask environmental experts about the water issue.
This is so important. You are helping to keep this issue front and center for Orange County.
Love the development controversy coverage, the “cat ladies and cat gents,” the artwork. Always an interesting read.