Colleton County Residents Oppose Proposed 859-Acre Data Center Development

Residents of Colleton County, South Carolina, are opposing a proposal for a large data center complex spanning over 850 acres, currently zoned for rural development. The owner is seeking a special exception to build nine data centers and two substations.

Concerns include impacts on local water supply and the environment, particularly wetlands and wildlife in the ACE Basin. Community members fear increased utility bills and ecological damage, emphasizing the importance of protecting local livelihoods and natural resources.

A public hearing by the Colleton County Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for December 18, while a community meeting will occur on December 16 to organize opposition efforts. Local developers argue that the data center will create jobs and support generative AI growth.