Effingham County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday selecting Charles Abbott Associates Inc. (CAA) to provide services including civil and site review, building and structural review, preconstruction coordination and construction inspections for the first phase of Project Camellia, the massive data center development planned for the Rincon area.
"There was discussion at earlier meetings about hiring outside representatives with substantial more depth and experience (than county officials) in reviewing large industrial projects like the one that's going to be here," said Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan during the meeting. "Staff looked at options to find somebody who has experience in dealing not just with large industrial projects,
but with large industrial data center projects. We did look at other firms that do something similar, but nothing comes close to the scope that we found with Charles Abbott."
Commissioner Beth Helmly asked CAA what issues the company has previously encountered with projects like data centers that have caused the most frustration and controversy.
"I think that the technology has come a long way," said William Hart, building official for CAA. "I think originally there were some questions about water use - that was a big ordeal. I think these companies have taken that negative connotation and put in these closed loop circuits where they're not using the water that they once were."
He also said that erosion and sedimentation control are often a considerable factor on large scale projects like these because so much land is disturbed.
Hart went on to say he expects to have 12 people overseeing phase 1 of the data center project.
Who is CAA?
According to its website, CAA specializes in providing public agencies with engineering, public works and fire prevention services. The company said it represented Bryan County through on-site development and "building-safety matters" during the development of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and has provided oversight and other development services for 23 data center projects throughout the state.
"The campus will require careful coordination across civil/site work, utilities, structures, specialized electrical andmechanical systems, fire and life safety, accessibility, erosion and sediment control, phased permitting,testing, commissioning, and occupancy," said CAA in a proposal report sent to the county. "Multiple design packages and concurrent construction activities are likely to create interfaces that must be tracked across disciplines and phases.Effingham County needs an experienced, independent team capable of supplementing County capacitywithout weakening County control."
What else is happening with Project Camellia?
Consultants for OpenAI have been canvassing neighborhoods near the data center project site, including along Hodgeville and Blue Jay Road, since July 22, the day before the county announced Project Camellia. According to a spokesperson for OpenAI, the company has hired a full-time community engagement manager who meets with local businesses, organizations, schools and others.
“We want people in Effingham County to have a direct line to us, get answers to their questions and help shape this project," said a spokesperson for OpenAI. "Our goal is to earn trust by showing up, listening and following through, and to make sure the community benefits from this investment.”
OpenAI said the canvassing team has made more than 1,100 home visits, a total that includes repeat visits to homes where residents were unavailable.
"We began this outreach when we announced the project so nearby residents could get information and raise questions early in the process," said a spokesperson for OpenAI. "We want to serve as a good local partner and neighbor. That starts with engaging early, listening to the community and earning trust by following through on what we say."
During their home visits, canvassers explain certain aspects of the project, including community investment. The spokesperson also said they have encountered recurring questions and concerns from the community regarding electricity and water usage and potential noise pollution from facility's operations.
When will construction of Project Camellia begin?
Commissioners were expected to vote on site plans for the data center at the Sept. 15 county meeting but announced the day before that the item was removed from the agenda.
One month later, the vote has not come before the board. A spokesperson for OpenAI said permitting, design and planning is ongoing at the site and a sound study is underway to identify ways to minimize noise for residents who live nearby.
A start date for construction has not been announced.
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Effingham County votes to hire firm to oversee Phase 1 of data center
