Richmond County residents oppose Amazon data center generator permits

RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — Richmond County residents gathered Thursday evening for a public hearing to voice opposition to air quality permits for a new Amazon data center campus in Hamlet.

The hearing focused on applications from Amazon and Duke Energy to install more than 650 diesel-powered generators at the construction site.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is reviewing two permits related to the massive project.

Amazon is seeking a permit to install nearly 600 diesel-powered generators for emergency backup power, while Duke Energy has applied to modify an existing permit to install nearly 60 generators to provide power until the site is fully operational.

Neighbors expressed concerns that the ongoing construction for the county’s first data center has already created issues for the surrounding community.

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Residents at the hearing shared concerns regarding potential noise and air pollution from the diesel units. Luis Balli, a Richmond County resident who has professional experience with heavy machinery, spoke about the environmental impact of the proposed generators.

“I worked with diesel engines, and I know the effects of diesel motors,” Balli said. “The amount of units that they’re going to have, it’s going to affect people.”

Balli further stated that he believes the emissions will be particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.

“The toxins will be harmful, let’s put it that way,” Balli said. “Very harmful for people with illnesses. Especially the elderly.”

Amazon stated that the data center campus would emit only a fraction of the air pollution levels allowed by law.

The company has also pledged financial support for local infrastructure, including funding for a new fire substation.

According to the project plans, Amazon will cover the salaries for firefighters at the new station for a period of two years.

While neighboring areas like York County and Charlotte have implemented moratoriums on data center developments, Richmond County currently does not have any restrictions or specific regulations for these facilities.

Neighbors at the hearing expressed frustration that the county is becoming a target for large-scale industrial projects that they believe could negatively impact the local community.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality will accept public comments regarding the permit applications through today. A final decision on the air quality permits is expected within the next 45 days.