Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
3 <br /> Attachment 1 <br /> General Definition of a Data Center <br /> A large group of networked computer servers typically used by organizations for the remote <br /> storage, processing, or distribution of large amounts of data. Source— Dictionary.com <br /> Environmental Impact of Data Centers <br /> • Data centers require large cooling systems to function, and these systems emit a <br /> steady hum that can disturb nearby residents. To address this, local governments <br /> are setting noise limits, often 65 decibels at the property line and 55 decibels in <br /> quieter or residential areas. How these limits are met is up to the data center <br /> designer, but common approaches include sound-absorbing or sound-blocking <br /> structures, berms or increased setbacks. Source — National Association of Counties <br /> • Communities living in close proximity (i.e., one mile) to EPA-regulated data centers have <br /> higher air pollution burdens compared to the national median (i.e., 50th percentile of air <br /> pollution). Source— Environmental Data and Governance Initiative <br /> • In particular, communities of color within one mile of EPA-regulated data centers face <br /> worse air pollution than other communities near data centers and the typical (median) <br /> community in the country. These trends are relatively consistent, but not as pronounced <br /> when considering state-specific averages. Source— Environmental Data and <br /> Governance Initiative <br /> • Low-income communities within one mile of EPA-regulated data centers do not have a <br /> statistically significant association with air pollution at the national level, but they do tend <br /> to face higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and diesel particulate matter (PM) than other <br /> parts of the states where they are located. Source— Environmental Data and <br /> Governance Initiative <br /> Land Use Compatibility <br /> • Not currently listed as a specific use in the UDO. <br /> • Staff must examine what land use categories are compatible with Data Centers. <br /> o Including Artificial Intelligence Data Centers, Data Centers, Data Processing <br /> Facilities, Cryptocurrency Mining Facilities. <br /> • Due to the high utility needs of Data Centers there are very few areas of the County that <br /> would be practical for such a use and a substantial impact is not expected in rural areas <br /> of Orange County. <br /> Electrical Usage Impact of Data Centers <br /> • Large data centers can span hundreds of acres and can have unique power and water <br /> infrastructure needs. Data centers can require large amounts of power similar to a <br /> medium-sized city, accounting for nearly 4.4 percent of U.S. annual electricity in 2023. In <br />