Embedded in History - Military Sound off Willie Lee Duckworth. July 3, 2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1374473951223426

Community Imperative: GCHIC Data Center 101 videos and Underground Data Center possibilities. June 2026

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

 

gchic.org/data-centers

 

 

Underground Data Center.  (NOTE:  NOT an endorsement by BEMA Int)

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AzQ1BRpAN/  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