Act Now! Urge Elected Officials to Defend Against Mega Data Center Threat!

Help Protect Us From Mega Data Center Threat!

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the mega data center proposed by Starwood Ventures. I urge you to utilize all tools available to halt the project and address the concerns raised by energy experts and community members regarding its potential impact on our state and nearby communities. Delaware could certainly benefit from jobs and economic development, but not at the expense of residents' utility bills or their health. For too long, industries have exploited our low taxes and cheap energy, prioritizing their interests over those of local communities. This is an opportunity to choose a different path. Options to address data center concerns include: - Ordinances for land use permitting, zoning, and design requirements. - Unique energy and water tariffs to protect small businesses and families from rate hikes. - Requirements for data centers to self-supply with clean power. - Requirements around proof of adequate water supply and sustainable management plans. - More detailed stormwater management plans. - Increased regulatory oversight for noise and light pollution. Until effective solutions are adopted, Delaware should establish a moratorium on new hyperscale data centers over 100 MW. Any applications submitted during the moratorium should comply with existing laws when the moratorium ends. Main concerns about this data center include the noise from cooling fans, water quality, electricity use, and impacts on local ecosystems. Reports indicate that cooling systems generate a low-frequency hum 24/7. While it may not be audible, and so not picked up by conventional DB(A) meters, it can affect residents' health and local wildlife. This noise can lead to sleep disturbances and mental health issues for individuals within 3,000 feet, impacting at least three communities nearby. Another key concern is the considerable amount of purified water the data center would require for cooling, which raises alarms among residents about strained local water supplies. The facility would source water from Veolia, used by local customers. Its size suggests that pipes would need to be upsized, increasing costs for local users, including around 5,000 households who would see higher water bills. Additionally, the Red Lion Creek, which runs between the proposed parcels, hosts ecologically vital wetlands. Losing these wetlands would heighten flooding risks, particularly with ongoing development. Wetlands are crucial habitats, and their preservation is necessary amid challenges from sea level rise and development pressures. Lastly, the proposed facility would significantly impact our energy system, with projected energy usage of 1.2 GW, the highest for any single data center in the country. Purchasing energy directly from the PJM marketplace would put it in competition with Delaware customers, likely driving up energy bills and infrastructure costs. Allowing this project to proceed would be irresponsible.