One
Community Perspective. Information and awareness.
Greater
Capitol Heights Improvement Corporation (GCHIC) Four episodes
Data Center 101 at
gchic.org/data-centers
DATA CENTER 101
Underground
Data Center. (NOTE: NOT an
endorsement by BEMA Int)
|
Statement on Underground Data Centers
Thank you to the residents who have
raised questions about the possibility of underground data centers in Prince
George’s County. While I appreciate the creativity behind exploring
alternatives to above‑ground facilities, my position remains firm: I do not
support the development of hyperscale data centers in Prince George’s County
— whether above ground or underground. Our communities already shoulder
significant environmental, health, and infrastructure burdens. Underground
data centers do not eliminate these impacts; they simply relocate them. In
many cases, they introduce new risks. Economic Concerns
- Low Continuous Employment: Like traditional data centers, underground
facilities require very few permanent staff. After construction, they
offer minimal long‑term job growth for local residents.
- Astronomical Upfront Costs: Excavating or retrofitting underground caverns
demands massive capital investment.
- Specialized Labor Needs: These projects rely on costly structural, mining,
and geological engineering expertise.
- High Maintenance Costs: Managing underground moisture, ventilation, and air
circulation requires continuous, expensive oversight.
Environmental & Infrastructure Impacts
- Water Table Contamination: Leaks from closed‑loop cooling systems can pollute
underground aquifers.
- Surface Pollution: Diesel
backup generators still vent pollutants at ground level, affecting
nearby communities.
- Energy Demand:
Hyperscale and AI‑driven data centers require enormous electricity
loads, often triggering new transmission lines, substations, and diesel
backup systems.
- Construction Disruption: Excavation and tunneling can disturb groundwater,
cause vibration, and impact stormwater systems — all major concerns in a
county already facing flooding and aging infrastructure.
Safety Risks
- Confined Space Hazards: Fires, gas leaks, or equipment failures pose
heightened risks for workers during evacuation.
- Geological Instability: Seismic shifts, rock collapses, or groundwater
intrusion can damage or destroy hardware and endanger personnel.
Community Voice Matters
Reduced public opposition should never
be a justification for siting major industrial facilities. Community voice is
not an obstacle — it is a requirement. Land‑use decisions must prioritize the
health, safety, and long‑term wellbeing of residents. My Commitment
If……………………………safeguarding our environment,
and ensuring that economic development aligns with community needs — not the
demands of energy‑intensive industries. Sincerely, Eleanor Washington
|
