Written by J Rohland, Staff Reporter
Data centers are being constructed around the country, but Virginia is considered the “Data Center Capital of the World.” Data centers are buildings that hold computers used in processing digital information. These facilities impact the economy, health, and environment of the communities around them.
Those living near data centers face the greatest changes. Construction is a loud process. Once running, generators create between 85-100 decibels– enough to cause hearing damage. The noise harms wildlife as well, scaring them away from their habitats. Light and air pollution increase because of data centers too. Larger facilities emit light which influences migration patterns and habitat development. This affects animals such as birds, bats, and turtles.
As for air pollution, data centers emit gases and other matters, increasing risk of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and even cancer in surrounding communities. Although reliable, this is a result of gas-powered facilities. Changes in water occur with this too. Data centers use water to prevent their computers from over-heating, which can take between 300,000 to 5 million gallons of water depending on the size of the facility.
It is important to note that there are also positives which proponents of data centers often discuss. Communities surrounding data centers see a rise in employment rates and wages. Construction workers, engineers, security, and maintenance workers are all needed to maintain a data center. This is beneficial in rural areas where facilities can also increase tax revenue and property value.
With discussion of data centers in the Roanoke Valley, it is important to know the effects they have.
