The SpaceXAI Colossus 1 data center has had a minimal impact on air quality in Southwest Memphis, according to a University of Memphis study.
Chunrong Jia, an environmental health researcher at the University of Memphis, presented the findings to Memphis City Council during its Sept. 15 meeting.
Researchers compared air quality before and after the facility's launch using satellite data, according to Jia's report. They chose that method because there are no field monitoring data for air quality in Southwest Memphis.
The study concluded there was "no significant deterioration" in the air quality of nearby neighborhoods and no significant increase in surface temperature in nearby neighborhoods.
Jia acknowledged the satellite data was limited by several
factors, including strong dependence on weather and atmospheric conditions, and that the research could not make a health impact assessment due to the lack of health data in the area.
Researchers looked at a variety of pollutants, including PM 2.5, the smallest form of particulate matter created mostly through combustion in vehicles and industrial sources, and ozone pollution, or smog, which is usually produced by industrial facilities, electric utilities and car exhaust.
Does the city monitor air quality in South Memphis?
Last June, the City of Memphis said initial air quality testing results did not detect any dangerous levels of pollutants at three testing sites, including near SpaceXAI's facilities in Memphis.
But the Southern Environmental Law Center, an environmental nonprofit, said the city's analysis is "irresponsible," in part because the city did not measure for ozone pollution, or smog.
Experts differed on the soundness of recent air quality test results released by the city of Memphis, but agreed the study was lacking in several key areas.
The Shelby County Health Department's air quality monitor is now operational, a spokesperson with SCHD confirmed on Aug. 25.
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: SpaceXAI has minimal impact on Southwest Memphis air quality, study says
