A massive 5,000-acre Technology Overlay District (TOD) was proposed for eastern Goochland County, Virginia. The TOD would accommodate numerous data centers along with large onsite electricity generating plants and massive battery storage. Data center noise alone can harm those living up to three-quarters of a mile distant. There were four dozen neighborhoods within one mile of the TOD. CEDS assisted area residents in mobilizing support for safeguards that would protect thousands of homes from excessive noise, air pollution and other impacts. CEDS created an online petition so residents could let their elected officials know that a very large number were watching their actions and would remember whether they supported reasonable solutions come the next election. Regrettably, the Goochland Supervisors opted to approve the TOD without adequate safeguards. CEDS then searched for an attorney to assist the residents in appealing the decision. We found a lawyer who had just won an impressive victory over a data center campus proposed too close to the Manassas battlefield. The attorney is now assisting the residents in their ongoing struggle with the TOD.

For further detail on how CEDS can help visit the How to Protect Your Home from Data Center Impacts webpage or contact us at 410-654-3021 or help@ceds.org.