Lumberton Residents Oppose Proposed Data Center Amidst Environmental and Resource Concerns
Residents of Lumberton, North Carolina, have voiced strong opposition to a proposed data center project, codenamed Project Alps, during a community meeting. Concerns primarily revolve around the potential impact on water availability and quality, increased electricity rates, and health risks. The city is currently in discussions with a developer for Project Alps, which could use approximately 50,000 gallons of water and up to 50 megawatts of power daily. The Lumberton City Council is set to vote on an ordinance to regulate data centers, which would establish rules for location, building requirements, noise limits, and water-efficient technologies. City officials are considering the project for the Southeast Crossroads Industrial Park, citing potential economic benefits such as $800 million to $1 billion in capital investment and millions in annual property and electricity tax revenues.