Data Centers Threaten Potomac River Amid Surge in Development
The Potomac River has been named the most endangered river in the United States by the nonprofit conservation organization American Rivers. This designation is due to the dual threats of sewage pollution from aging infrastructure and the rapid development of data centers in the region. The Potomac River basin, which spans parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC, has been impacted by the failure of the Potomac Interceptor wastewater pipe, leading to significant sewage spills. Additionally, the area is experiencing a surge in data center development, with over 300 centers currently operating and plans for up to 1,000 centers. These facilities pose a growing threat to water quality and quantity, as they are being approved without adequate transparency or regulatory review.