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CWFNC Collaborates on New Brief Report with NRDC about PFAS Use in Data Centers.
Read full report here 'Chemours and Data Centers: A Love Story' Chemours, data centers, and PFAS For years, communities downstream and downwind of Chemours have experienced high levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in their public drinking water and water wells. According to extensive research by NRDC, the AI boom isn’t just increasing the demand for data centers, but it’s also increasing demand for PFAS manufactured by companies like Chemours. How? Chemours, a spin-off of DuPont, is a major manufacturer of PFAS (aka toxic “forever chemicals”), and it is betting big on data centers. PFAS can be used on a massive scale in data centers and can be released during electrical arcing to the environment for cooling, fire suppression, and increasing flow. PFAS are used in the production of semiconductors and other electronic components. Unfortunately, the entire life cycle of the PFAS used in data centers puts human and environmental health at risk, from the manufacturing of PFAS to their use on-site at data centers and their eventual disposal. Report by Corinne Bell, Senior Attorney NRDC. Coauthored with Hope Taylor, now senior advisor for Clean Water for NC. Read full report here
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Data Center Moratorium Hearing in Durham- Remove the Loophole!
Durham County Data Center Moratorium Hearing 8/24 Location: County Commissioners Office- 200 E Main St Durham NC 27701 When: Monday Aug 24 6 pm Rally Meeting @ 7 pm The data center moratorium the county is considering, would allow 100,000 square foot data centers, without any new or additional regulations. That’s a huge industrial site, with generators, and IBM estimates that size of data center to use 100 megawatts of power. 100MW is 1/13 of a new Duke Energy methane gas power plant. It is not trivial, it is a real impact on our bills, water, air, and climate. These county moratoriums are the real life brakes on Duke’s runaway greed and the possible AI bubble. It also requires closed-loop cooling systems, which can lead to PFAS being discharged into drinking water sources. If we pass a county moratorium as strong as the city’s we can take the time to pass regulations that will protect our communities from these impacts. Durham needs to show up and speak out, to make sure that we get a real pause, and not one that doesn’t really address the problem. Check out our talking points for your comment here.
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No Data Center in Stokes County- Updates Below!
Project Delta Site Plan (New application) Proposed Data Center in Stokes County (UPDATES BELOW) Background: Engineered Land Solutions is a development company that wants to put a data center on a more than 1,800-acre plot of land in Walnut Cove. This project was previously named Project Delta, which was approved on Jan 12, 2026. The rezoning approval was then withdrawn after a community lawsuit filed by SCSJ and SELC. On July 21st, 2026, ELS submitted their new rezoning application. Materials Below! Where would it be? 1800 acres of land on the Dan River, where highway 311 crosses the Dan. Property next to Belews Creek coal plant. Developer’s website for the data center: projectdeltanc.com Sign petition ‘Stop the Hyperscale Data Center Rezoning in Stokes County’ created by Stokes Community member. Donate to The Stokes County Strong, Data Center Wrong! community group! Why are Stokes County residents concerned? This data center is a threat to local history and heritage, it would be on land that was Upper Saura Town and that has a historic home of the Hairston family. The Saura site is also culturally relevant to the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. This data center is SPECULATIVE there is no tech company lined up to buy or use this data center, no guarantee this investment pans out. Many economists are warning of an AI bubble, what happens to this project if the bubble pops before they are through? The data center would run on methane gas generators while they wait in line to connect to Duke Energy’s grid… unclear how long! Generators are loud and pollute the air. Data centers don’t employ many people long term and are one reason electric bills are rising 2x faster than inflation. This data center would be on the banks of the Dan River, construction could cause pollution of the Dan. This data center does not align with the Stokes County 2035 Land Use Plan, which designates this area for low-density residential use and conservation, not large-scale industrial development. (pg. 81) Project Delta Application + Supporting Materials All materials and rezoning application are housed here Conditional rezoning application Zoning Conditions Buffer Zone Exhibit Site Plan Public Information Meeting Report Map Upcoming Events: September 8 Public Hearing-Project Delta The next public hearing before County commissioners will be Tuesday, Sept 8, with presentations from Data Center developer, ELS, and County Staff starting at 5pm. There will be a public comment window from 6 to 9pm. As far as we know, there will be NO VOTE at this hearing, and it will just be an opportunity for community members to voice concerns. Community members are not required to stay during the full comment period but are welcome to stay if they’d like. If you’d like to make a comment, you may sign up in advance to speak at the hearing here: Sept. 8th Public Hearing Sign-Up. Members of the public who do not sign up in advance may sign up on the night of the hearing, subject to available time. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. 1014 Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016 Written comments may be submitted before and during the hearing to PublicComments@co.stokes.nc.us. questions? email Erika at erika@cwfnc.org County Updates: Planning Board + Board of Commissioners On July 15, 2026, the Stokes County Board of Commissioners voted against the proposed six-month moratorium in a 3-2 vote and approved all text amendments for how data centers will be regulated in Stokes County moving forward. While these decisions changed the path moving forward, it’s still crucial to stay involved in organizing. On July 21, 2026, Developer Engineered Land Solutions submitted its new rezoning application. On August 13, 2026, the Stokes Planning Board voted 5-2 to deny Data Center rezoning in Walnut Cove. Next, the County Commissioners will have a final vote on the rezoning for Project Delta. It is crucial to attend all Stokes Commissioners’ meetings moving forward! The hearing date is not yet set. Stokes Community members are asking the County Commissioners to: Deny the rezoning request for Project Delta Data Center! Partnership with community members and DFC Stokes LLC to come together on a more stable and sustainable use for the land currently under consideration for rezoning. This land is important to Stokes County’s history, the Saura People, the Hairston and Sally Blagg descendants, and for protecting the Dan River. Questions? Email erika@cwfnc.org Spread the Word! Resources to educate your neighbors: Detailed Flyer with talking points: (detailed)Stokes Data Center Project Delta Handout (1) Simplified Flyer:(Simplified) – Stokes Data Center Handout. Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina – Clean Water for North Carolina Stokes County Economic Action Plan Stokes County 2035 Vision Plan Share information on social media: Local Facebook group that encourages public participation and conversation regarding proposed data center: Stokes County Character Preservation Local Facebook group that shares research, updates, and official information about the proposed data center project in Stokes County: Stokes County Strong, Data Center Wrong Sign petition created by Stokes Community member. Sign here (Created by Community Member) Print petition here: Petition Stokes Co Flyer for Sept 8 Public Hearing:Sept 8 public Hearing- Project Delta
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PRESS RELEASE: Environmental Organizations Respond to Duke Energy’s Plans for a Massive Methane Gas Buildout in Davie and Davidson Counties
CONTACTS Nicole Eastman, Riverkeeper, Yadkin Riverkeeper nicole@yadkinriverkeeper.org, 330-861-8387 Shelley Robbins, Senior Decarbonization Manager, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy shelley@cleanenergy.org Crystal Norford, Environmental Justice Organizer/Researcher, Clean Water for North Carolina crystal@cwfnc.org After almost a year of quietly targeting Davie and Davidson Counties for the next two installments of their massive methane gas-fired power plant buildout, Duke Energy has officially announced their plans for this harmful development. Owning roughly 1,600 acre tracts of land in both Davidson and Davie Counties, separated by the Yadkin River, Duke wants to build two massive methane gas-fired power plants, totaling almost 3,000 megawatts in Davie County, and a massive, untested first-of-its-kind “enhanced” liquified natural gas (ELNG) facility in Davidson County. Unlike regular LNG facilities, an ELNG facility would constantly be liquefying and vaporizing gas, creating pollution while doing so. This development would necessitate a roughly 3-mile methane gas pipeline under the Yadkin River to connect the gas plants to the ELNG facility. Duke is already in the process of building three of the same type of methane gas-fired power plants in Person County, NC and in Anderson County, SC. What Duke fails to reveal in this announcement is the true impact this type of development will have on the air and water, public health, and environmental resilience of these counties. This development will strip away the natural character of the region, remove areas of Perkins Game Land from preservation and public use, industrialize this stretch of the Yadkin River, and fill the air with health compromising air pollutants, all at the expense of the ratepayers. Further, the plants would attract more data centers to the area, which will industrialize western Davidson and eastern Davie Counties even more. To cool these power plants, millions of gallons of water could be pulled from the Yadkin River each day. A smaller amount of warmer and less biologically diverse water would be discharged back into the river, potentially causing thermal pollution that could result in increased water temperatures, depletion of dissolved oxygen levels, and suitable conditions for harmful algae bloom growth. Increased levels of health compromising air pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) would pollute the air for nearby schools, churches, and neighborhoods. Increased exposure to these toxic pollutants can lead to worsening asthma, respiratory infections, heart damage, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. If the air emissions from this infrastructure push the region over federal air quality limits, future economic development could be stunted, preventing new industries that bring more jobs and sustainable growth from coming to the area. Both counties and the Yadkin River are already under attack by past and future fossil fuel development, including construction of the Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline Project (a massive methane gas pipeline and Compressor Station expansion in Davidson County), legacy coal ash storage from the Duke Energy Buck Steam Station, and ongoing threats of data center development throughout the watershed. The Yadkin River is already stressed due to increased development and stormwater runoff, industrial agricultural pollution, and the resulting nutrient and sediment pollution. This industrial energy complex will exacerbate the challenges the river faces and change the rich natural and historic character of this section of the Yadkin River. The river has supported enough energy infrastructure over the years from damming miles of river to support hydroelectric energy to facing coal ash contamination from the Buck Steam Station. Adding these massive gas plants and an untested ELNG facility could be the tipping point for the health and environmental wellbeing of the region and the river. Environmental groups across North Carolina, including Yadkin Riverkeeper, Clean Water for North Carolina, Appalachian Voices, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, are working in coalition to stop this harmful development. Organizers and experts from these groups are working alongside residents to protect the region from this fossil fuel attack. Learn more here: Protect Davidson and Davie Counties – Clean Water for North Carolina Statements from coalition organizations: “These gas plants and the associated ELNG facility are not needed. Duke is already building three new giant gas plants, none of which have even started hitting our bills. Further, Duke is hiding the true size, cost, and impact of these facilities behind confidential filings. The ELNG facility would have to be massive, perhaps the largest LNG facility in the country unrelated to export, in order to completely support both of the gas plants. And as a first-of-a-kind configuration, it would be phenomenally risky and expensive. Davidson County and Davie County citizens deserve better.” – Shelley Hudson Robbins, Senior Decarbonization Manager at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy “This proposed Duke Energy industrial complex is the largest threat to the Yadkin River right now. We have seen the impacts of fossil fuel infrastructure on the river since the company began storing coal ash at the Buck Steam Station in the 1950s and testing showed contaminated drinking water wells in the 2010s. Yadkin Riverkeeper will challenge these methane power plants and the ELNG facility and continue advocating for the safeguarding of the Yadkin River for all the communities that rely on it.”– Nicole Eastman, Riverkeeper at Yadkin Riverkeeper “Duke Energy is purposefully obscuring the true impacts that this industrial energy complex would have on the surrounding communities and environment. By gutting the rural character of this land, and industrializing this natural, forested stretch of the Yadkin River, this excessive fossil fuel development would reshape the region for decades to come. The residents of Davie and Davidson Counties deserve well-planned growth that prioritizes sustainability and public health, not pollution and corporate profit. We will continue to support and amplify the voices of residents as this fight continues.”– Crystal Norford, Environmental Organizer/Researcher at Clean Water for North Carolina. “Duke Energy’s proposed project will require the installation of a pipeline that will be devastating for the Yadkin River. Duke can cross waterways using methods such as boring beneath streams or trenching through streams and wetlands. Regardless of the method, pipeline installation will likely cause lasting impacts to water quality and aquatic habitat in the Yadkin. Trenching is particularly disruptive, requiring streams to be dammed, dewatered, and excavated, displacing aquatic life and altering natural stream functions. Even after water flow is restored, disturbed streambeds and construction-related sediment can continue to degrade water quality downstream, clouding waterways and harming aquatic species. We cannot sit by and allow Duke Energy to destroy this irreplaceable asset to Davie and Davidson Counties.” – Brooks Rainey, Senior Attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center
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Groundtruthing of Risks Maps & Pilot Outreach Study in Two Western NC Counties
Clean Water for NC’s Collaboration with George Washinton University: What we did, and what we learned. Summer of 2025 Last summer, Clean Water for NC collaborated with the Research and Engagement for Action on Climate and Health (REACH) Center at George Washington University, working with on a pilot project (led by Dr. Xindi Hu) aiming to safeguard private well water quality and mitigate the impacts of hurricanes in North Carolina. We led the development of an equitable outreach strategy for post-hurricane private well stewardship, leveraging our mission of Environmental Justice, knowledge on well construction requirements, and local community expectations. Read the full technical report from the project team here! Utilizing Risk Maps to Inform Outreach George Washington University developed Risks Maps, compromised of a hazard index (quantifies how a region is vulnerable to pollution sources), vulnerability index (measures how a region is vulnerable to groundwater contaminants), and a capacity index (captures the ability of a region to gather individual and collective resources to adapt to extreme climate events). Our mission at Clean Water for NC is to protect Environmental Justice by prioritizing our efforts to organize, educate and advocate with disproportionately impacted communities, leading our team to be particularly attentive to the information provided by the capacity index. Based on the risk maps developed by GWU and our engagement with all 26 Environmental Health Departments in Western NC, we selected Avery and Henderson Counties to prioritize our work. Our selection was based on the expressed interest of the Environmental Health Directors, the number of post-Helene well samples reported, and the severity of local flooding impacts. Avery County Through meetings with Mason Gardener, Toe River District Health Director, we were able to get a clear sense of where the most vulnerable communities were located. Utilizing his knowledge of flooding impacts and demographic characteristics of the county, and studying the risks maps developed by GWU, we were able to tailor our outreach to areas of highest concern for well contamination and lowest ability to respond to a contamination problem. We met with 17 households, conducted free well testing using kits available from the EHD, left educational flyers around homes and community center, and held a community event where residents came out to learn more about the importance of post-hurricane well testing and collect a free sample kit to test their water quality. Henderson County Relying mainly on the risks maps to identify areas of highest concern, we conducted extensive windshield surveying of the area, analyzed the county’s public water system maps, and were able to narrow down our outreach to the same parameters as in Avery County. In Henderson, the county had a very limited supply of free DHHS well testing kits. We were able to connect with the nonprofit Wine to Water, a group continuously providing free well testing support post-Helene. We connected with residents in 18 homes and left flyers around community centers, using our collaboration with Wine to Water to provide residents with free well testing access. Most residents were unaware of the importance of well testing, and the availability of free access. What We Learned Through this collaboration, we gathered valuable insight from well-owners and residents that faced the brunt of Hurricane Helene. This study increased our understanding of how the mapping of risk factors can aid in prioritizing disproportionately impacted areas for outreach and education. By using the risks maps, we were able to connect with and provide support to residents that had faced impacts from Helene but had not yet secured the safety of their drinking water. Read the full technical report from the project team here!
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No Data Centers in Northampton County!
Belinda Joyner, our Northeastern organizer, with other community members at the April 1, 2026, commissioners meeting. No data centers in Northampton County. Residents of Northampton County want transparency and answers on whether or not a proposed data center would come to the county. On April 1st, Community members showed up to express concern, but the momentum must keep going! Now, residents are preparing for the next county commissioners meeting on May 4 at 6pm. At this meeting, there is a strong chance of having a discussion on a potential data center moratorium. Northampton County, show up! May 4 Commissioners’ Meeting , Register here! Why are Northampton County residents concerned? Northampton county already deals with other industrial pollution that affects our health and environment. Data centers often run on methane gas generators. Generators are loud and pollute the air. Data centers don’t employ many people long term and are one reason electric bills are rising 2x faster than inflation. Northampton County residents want economic growth and guide development to the right places. Sign petition below! What are local residents asking Northampton County Commissioners to do? To adopt a moratorium on data centers in Northampton County of at least 1 year, with a goal of a 32- month moratorium. This would give the county time to study their impacts and have strong public engagement on whether data centers are truly needed for Northampton County. This pause (moratorium) will help protect County residents while we plan for growth, understand costs to the County, and guide development to the right places. More transparency with Northampton residents on future proposed development projects. Spread the Word Share information on social media + Sign the Petition: Share May 4 County commissioners meeting: At this meeting, there is a strong chance of having a discussion on a potential data center moratorium. Share FB event Sign petition asking Northampton Commissioners for a data center moratorium!
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Speak Out on Forever Chemicals in NC’s Water!
Now is your chance to speak out on forever chemicals in North Carolina’s water! The NC Environmental Management Commission (NCEMC) is writing the rules that will govern how these toxic forever chemicals are regulated and monitored across North Carolina. Currently the EMC is running concurrent hearings on PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane Minimization and Monitoring rules. However, the rules up for comment are WEAK, as they do not require polluters to reduce their toxic discharge, and do not impose consequences even if polluters increase their toxic dischargers. These rules would allow nearly 500 industries to continue dumping their toxic discharge into NC rives and drinking water supplies. These are polluter written rules, set to minimize nothing but the protection of NC water. Speak at a public hearing, or submit a comment online by June 15th The North Carolina EMC is running concurrent public hearings. You will be given 3 minutes to speak. Urge the EMC to pass stronger rules and enforce strong limits on PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane to protect NC drinking water! Upcoming Public Hearings PFAS Hearings April 7- Asheville, 6pm- Ferguson Auditorium, AB-Tech Community College, 19 Tech Drive, Asheville, N.C., 28801 April 20- Raleigh, 6pm- Archdale Building, Ground Floor Hearing Room, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27604 April 23- Wilmington, 6pm- Wilmington City Hall at Skyline Center, 1st Floor Conference Center, 929 North Front St., Wilmington, 28401 1, 4 Dioxane Hearings April 9- Hickory, 6pm- Catawba County St. Stephens Branch Library, 3225 Springs Road, Hickory, N.C., 28601 April 14- Fayetteville, 6pm- Fayetteville Technology Community College, Tony Rand Student Center multipurpose room, 2220 Hull Rd. Fayetteville, N.C., 28303 May 12- Jamestown, 6pm- Percy H. Sears Applied Technologies Building Auditorium, Guilford Technical Community College, 1201 Bonner Dr., Jamestown, N.C., 27282 Sign in and speaker registration beings at 5pm. To submit a comment online, email your written comment to publiccomments@deq.nc.gov, with the subject line “PFAS Minimization” or“1,4-dioxane minimization.” Comments are due by June 15th. What are PFAS? PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industrial and manufacturing processes since the 1940’s. These chemicals were first created due to their unique ability to resist water and grease. PFAS are found in: Nonstick cookware Food packing Water resistance clothing Stain-resistant products Cosmetics and much more Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly persistent, synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment or the human body, causing significant environmental and health risks. Due to their widespread use in industrial processes, these chemicals are being dumped into NC’s rivers and drinking water supplies. More than 3.5 million North Carolinians drink water contaminated with unsafe levels of PFAS. Health issues linked to PFAS exposure: Thyroid Diseases Kidney Disease Hormone Disruption (reproductive impairment) Cardiovascular Illnesses Developmental Harm to Children and Infants What is 1,4 Dioxane? 1, 4 Dioxane is a synthetic, colorless liquid, used as an industrial solvent. It is often created as a byproduct of plastic polymer production. 1, 4 Dioxane is being dumped into drinking water supplies as discharge from these industrial companies that it is used/created as a byproduct. Conventional drinking water treatment systems cannot remove 1, 4 Dioxane from water. 1, 4 Dioxane is a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancers through exposure. Long-term exposure has also been linked to liver and kidney damage. North Carolina has some of the worst 1, 4 Dioxane pollution in the nation. The City of Asheboro allows industrial facility StarPET to pass its contaminated wastewater discharge to the city treatment plant, where 1, 4 Dioxane cannot be removed. This has led to contaminated water being dumped into the Deep and Cape Fear Rovers, threating the drinking water of nearly 900,000 downstream residents. Learn more here. Clean Water for North Carolina in the news- Asheville Public Hearing Clean Water for North Carolina is working to protect NC water from these toxic forever chemicals. We attend the Asheville public hearing to speak out on PFAS. Western North Carolina’s water is nothing to play with. We can’t let polluters write the rules to the game. Read this article from Mountain XPress Quoting CWFNC’s Western EJ Organizer/Researcher, Crystal Norford, saying, “As an organization which first worked to hold DuPont accountable for releases of the legacy PFAS PFOA or C-8 in 2003, we know Chemours and other industries will do nothing to reduce their pollution unless they are held to strict limits. We do not lack data on these forever chemicals, we lack action.” Attend a public hearing or submit a comment online- telling NC regulators to enforce stronger limits on forever chemicals in our water!
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Person County Residents Demand Answers from Microsoft
A photo of Microsoft's plans for 4 data centers where Country Club Rd. is closed off. Microsoft shared this as an exhibit at their info session in summer 2026.A photo of where Country Club Rd is closed. The road was closed without sharing with the community the true reason why: Microsoft's plans for four data centers.Microsoft & Person County Announce Data Center Plans: Why Community Members are Concerned Microsoft bought the Person County mega-site in 2024. For over a year, Person County officials and Microsoft did not share what their plans were. The uncertainty created concerns among local residents and a fear that decisions which will impact resident’s lives are being made without transparency. In February, 2026, Microsoft & Person County announced the following, “Microsoft purchased 1,350 acres of land in Person County and plans to begin the permitting process for data center development later this year. Data center projects are highly complex and typically span several years, requiring careful planning, design, and close collaboration with the county, local partners, and the community.” Data centers create a lot of concerns for local communities. They are huge warehouses that employ few people, but use a lot of electricity and water resources. They cause air pollution, noise pollution, and can contribute to water pollution. Since Microsoft says they want to collaborate with the community, Person County residents came together and wrote a letter with a set of questions for Microsoft, that have yet to be answered. Recent Updates After community push back, Microsoft & Person County encouraged folks to check a new blog they created for the Person County site for updates. You can send your questions (and thoughts!) to the email Microsoft has created PersonDC@microsoft.com or leave a message at 980-776-2251. In May 2026, The Assembly published: The Data Center That Didn’t Exist, which described how Person County commissioners and Microsoft hid that a planned data center was the true reason for closing Country Club Road. Other major concerns highlighted in this article: the county was searching for taxpayer funded grants for sewer upgrades for the site. In June 2026, Microsoft held a community meeting at Piedmont Community College. They shared a picture of their plans for the site. What You Can Do Sign the letter!: Person County Needs Answers from Microsoft You can always email your thoughts on this to Person County commissioners or Roxboro City Council. You can send your questions (and thoughts!) to the email Microsoft has created PersonDC@microsoft.com or leave a message at 980-776-2251 Upcoming Events Stay tuned! Data Center Concerns Microsoft plans to construct a data center. The data center boom in North Carolina is being driven by companies investing in artificial intelligence tools. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI performs complex tasks normally handled by humans. Data centers employ very few people and can even take jobs away. Learn more in our new report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Center Boom in NC Data center investments are risky. Financial experts are starting to warn of an AI bubble, similar to the dot com crash in the 2000s, or the 2008 crash of the housing market. It seems like the bubble is still inflating, and developers are still proposing data centers anywhere they can . There is a risk of overbuilding, and data centers being abandoned when the bubble pops or new, more efficient technology is adopted. They consume tons of energy and strain local water supplies. Backup generators release harmful chemicals into the air that can harm heart and lung health.. Data centers are LOUD, run 24/7, and range from 55-85 decibels (vacuum cleaner or lawn mower). High electric bills. Rising electricity costs are linked to new infrastructure needed for AI data centers, contributing to electricity bills increasing 2x faster than inflation. Spread the Word! Share information on social media: Follow us on Facebook for events you can share Instagram: follow us @cleanwaternc for updates! Share the letter: Person County Needs Answers from Microsoft Resources to educate neighbors: Microsoft’s Person County blog– Microsoft says they will share updates here, although the community meeting was not shared and there are no updates since April 2026. Flyer + talking points from the electricity rate hike hearing in Roxboro. Useful info on Microsoft’s impact on electric bills. New Report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina Article on Person County residents’ quest for answers from WRAL The Data Center that Didn’t Exist– The Assembly article on the non-disclosure agreement between Person County & Microsoft for this site. Check out the basic map below, showing the location of the future Microsoft Data Center
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Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina
Sanford, NC- Clean Water for North Carolina is releasing a new report ahead of a key presentation in Lee County, where a developer wants to open a commercial gas well to power an AI data center. Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina explores the economic conditions that brought about this proposal and the potential impact on North Carolina and Lee County. This report comes a few days before the Lee County Board of Commissioners’ March 16 meeting, where they will hear a presentation on the county’s options for regulating data centers and crypto-mining. The presentation comes after months of local residents raising their voices in opposition to a controversial proposal from Deep River Data. Deep River Data wants to power an artificial intelligence (AI) data center with gas from Butler Well #3 in Lee County. The proposal has drawn criticism from local residents, business owners, and clean water advocates. Community members will hold a press conference at 5:00pm to share their concerns before the county commissioners meeting at 6pm on Monday. Butler Well #3 is located near the Lee-Chatham county line, south of U.S. Highway 421, close to Cumnock & Sanford, NC. It is unlikely this well will produce any usable amount of gas without hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). Fracking has never been used in North Carolina. Sheila Sherrick, a Lee County resident whose home and goat farm rely on her private well, said, “I can’t afford to have a poisoned well. I need clean water for me, my family, and my animals.” “Drinking water for municipalities from Sanford to Wilmington comes from the Deep and Cape Fear Rivers. This means that thousands of families, businesses, schools, institutions, Ft. Bragg; all, have the potential of contaminated water from fracking and data center development on the Deep River which flows into the Cape Fear. A moratorium is needed for time for more research and development of safer and cleaner solutions for the management of these two dirty industries.” said Donna Strickland, a Lee County resident. Hope Taylor, executive director of Clean Water for North Carolina, said, “Residents are right to be concerned about the potential impact of a proposed data center, given the large volume of water that would be required for cooling. That section of the Deep River sits over the Triassic Basin, and according to the US Geological Survey, These formations have poor drainage and low permeability, which significantly limits the ability of the ground to store and release water to the river during dry periods.” In addition to water issues, local businesses, clergy members, and newer residents expressed concerns about the economic impacts of this proposal. Steph Gans, assistant director of Clean Water for North Carolina, described the risks, “Most people who hear that a company wants to open a commercial gas well, purely to power an AI data center, are shocked. This idea is only possible in our current economic environment, where investors are willing to risk it all on AI, with no clear path to turning a profit on AI services. Our new report describes these and other issues with Deep River Data’s proposal. Eventually, the bubble will burst, leaving AI data centers that rely on inefficient chips and expensive fuels as stranded assets. A moratorium gives the county time to assess what regulations would protect the community.” Deep River Data initially expressed interest in applying to drill last year, but did not file an application. Then, in the beginning of February, 2026, Deep River Data emailed the NC Oil and Gas Commission. They asked questions to help them complete their application, and wrote, “We’re excited to be moving full steam ahead.” Therese Vick, sustainable development coordinator at Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, shared this in response, “Lee County is being forced into a high-stakes experiment where the community bears all the risk, and the industry takes all the profit. To combine the massive power demands of an AI data center with the known dangers of fracking is to design a failure that Lee County will be paying for long after the data centers go dark.” Stephanie Stephens, the Deep River Riverkeeper, said, ““The Deep River is a direct drinking water source for 345,000 people and the source of Sanford’s drinking water. Approving a data center, powered by natural gas drilled from the Cumnock Shale basin underneath the Deep River threatens safe drinking water. We ask that the Commissioners pass a moratorium on Data Centers and Crypto-mining for Lee County so that permanent decisions made can be made with great consideration as to the best use of land space and for the well being of the community already living in the region.” Emily Sutton, Haw Riverkeeper and executive director at Haw River Assembly added, “North Carolina does not have permitting provisions and environmental regulations to ensure that data centers do not harm our communities or the air, water, and forests we depend on. We are asking counties to put moratoriums in place until our policy makers can adopt protective guardrails to regulate this industry.” ### About Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) BREDL advocates grassroots involvement to empower whole communities in environmental issues. BREDL functions as a “watchdog” of the environment, monitoring issues and holding government officials accountable for their actions. BREDL networks with citizen groups and agencies, collecting and disseminating accurate & timely information. BREDL sets standards for environmental quality & awards individuals & agencies who uphold these standards in practice. bredl.org About Clean Water for North Carolina Clean Water for North Carolina is a non-profit promoting clean, safe water and environments and empowered, just communities for all North Carolinians through outreach, advocacy, education, and technical assistance. cwfnc.org About Deep River Riverkeeper Deep River Riverkeeper’s mission is To protect the Deep River and it’s neighbors through science, education and stewardship. We do this through projects and programs that include public participation. We advocate for and work to ensure the Deep River’s well-being as a vital, healthy, life sustaining source for all. deepriverkeepersnc.org About Haw River Assembly Haw River Assembly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1982 to restore and protect the Haw River and Jordan Lake, and to build a watershed community that shares this vision. Our goals are to promote environmental education, conservation and pollution prevention; to speak as a voice for the river in the public arena; and to put into peoples’ hands the tools and the knowledge they need to be effective guardians of the river. hawriver.org
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Lee County: No Fracking Data Center
Simpson well in lee county A photo of the Simpson well in Lee County, also now abandoned. Butler Well #3 is in the same county, and is abandoned, at least for now. Developers Want to Extract Gas for an AI Data Center in Lee County: Why Community Members are Concerned Deep River Data wants to power an AI data center with gas from Butler Well #3 in Lee County. A North Carolina journalist, Lisa Sorg, reported on this plan in November, 2025: A Company Eyes What Would Be North Carolina’s First Commercial Natural Gas Well. Butler Well #3 is located near the Lee-Chatham county line, south of U.S. Highway 421, close to Cumnock & Sanford, NC. It is unlikely this well will produce any usable amount of gas without hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). Fracking has never been used in North Carolina. Deep River Data’s goal is to open up the gas well, and use the methane gas extracted on-site to power an AI data center. Right now, they are working on submitting an application to the NC Oil & Gas Commission, in order to do that. The risk is real. This project would pose serious threats to our drinking water wells, the Deep River, and our children’s health. The air pollution from gas drilling, fracking, refining that gas, and burning it 24/7 in gas generators to power a data center would harm local residents’ health. UPDATE: Sanford is holding a public hearing on a set of rules for data centers… and they could VOTE to approve these rules on Tuesday 4/21. Sanford City residents shouldn’t be rushed into a set of rules, that haven’t had enough community input. The city and county have the power to hit the pause button with a moratorium, and have a thoughtful transparent process with citizen input and more time for regulations to develop…. but that isn’t what is currently happening. Ask the Lee County Commissioners & Sanford for a Moratorium on Data Centers & Fracking! Sign the petition!: Lee County & Sanford: Pass a Moratorium on Fracking & Data Centers Come to the April 21 Sanford City Council Hearing on Data Center Rules – Sanford is holding a public hearing on a set of rules for data centers… and they could VOTE to approve these rules the same night. Click here for talking points! One big reason to pass a moratorium right now, is that there is bipartisan support for removing NC’s data center tax exemption. Cities or counties could miss out on revenue on projects that start before that sale tax exemption is fixed! That is money our local government should get to offset the cost of data centers on our communities. A moratorium gives Sanford time to make sure that any data center that comes… is paying its fair share in taxes! Join your neighbors in calling on the city & county to pass a moratorium on data centers! THERE COULD BE A VOTE ON THE DATA CENTER RULES…. (without a fracking moratorium)… THIS NIGHT. IF THERE WERE ONE MEETING TO GO TO… IT IS THIS ONE!!! Speaker sign up is from 5-5:50pm (here are talking points for your comment!) Hearing is at 6pm. The night before, April 20 at 6pm at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center (1801 Nash St. Sanford), is the Lee County Commissioners Meeting. Come and ask them, “where is the moratorium on data centers and fracking you voted to draft in March?” We still haven’t seen it. Since November, Deep River Data continues to work on their application. Their continued communication with the state geologist was confirmed at the February 3 NC Oil & Gas Commission meeting The county doesn’t need to wait for the application to come in to act. The best time to protect Lee County residents from fracking, drilling, and a data center, is now. You can always email your comments to the county commissioners or Sanford City Council Upcoming Events April 20 at 6pm at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center (1801 Nash St. Sanford), is the Lee County Commissioners Meeting. Come and ask them, “where is the moratorium on data centers and fracking you voted to draft in March?” We still haven’t seen it. April 21 Sanford City Council Hearing on Data Center Rules – 5pm-225 E. Weatherspoon Street, Sanford. (Sign up to speak 5-5:50pm, hearing at 6pm). Sanford is holding a public hearing on a set of rules for data centers… and they could VOTE to approve these rules the same night. If there is one meeting to come to IT IS THIS ONE! Ask for a moratorium, instead of rules written without a real chance for public input or transparency. RSVP here. Share the Facebook event or on Instagram. Remember that there is still construction on Weatherspoon St, so give yourself time for the detour. Spread the Word! Share information on social media: Follow us on Facebook for events you can share Share the Facebook event for the April 21 hearing! Instagram: follow us @cleanwaternc for updates! Share the Instagram post for the April 21 hearing! Share the petition: Lee County & Sanford: Pass a Moratorium on Data Centers & Fracking Resources to educate neighbors: NEW: Talking Points for Sanford City Council Data Center Public Hearing & Vote on 4/21 Flyer with fracking talking points: Lee County No Fracking Data Center Talking Points New Report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Boom in North Carolina Article that broke this story: A Company Eyes What Would Be North Carolina’s First Commercial Natural Gas Well. Learn how to use Lee County’s interactive map to see what data they have on mineral rights for your property (it may not be up to date!) Data Center Concerns Deep River Data plans to construct a data center to power AI facilities that house servers for data storage and application operation. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI performs complex tasks normally handled by humans. Data centers employ very few people and can even take jobs away. For example, HM Tech, the company that owns Deep River Data, has a data center in Graham, NC in Alamance County. This data center uses 11 megawatts of power and the warehouses for its servers cover 60,000 square feet. It only employs 10 people. Data center investments are risky. Experts are starting to warn of an AI bubble, similar to the dot com crash in the 2000s, or the 2008 crash of the housing market. It seems like the bubble is still inflating, and developers are still proposing data centers anywhere they can . There is a risk of overbuilding, and data centers being abandoned when the bubble pops or new, more efficient technology is adopted. Learn more from our new report: Build Before the Bubble Bursts: Understanding the Business Model Behind the Data Center Center Boom in NC They consume tons of energy and strain local water supplies. Backup generators release harmful chemicals into the air that can harm heart and lung health.. Data centers are LOUD, run 24/7, and range from 55-85 decibels (vacuum cleaner or lawn mower). High electric bills. Rising electricity costs are linked to new infrastructure needed for AI data centers, contributing to electricity bills increasing 2x faster than inflation. Why is Lee County an even riskier place to frack or drill? The underground gas in Lee County is very close to the groundwater. The gas well in question is about 2,700 feet deep. The shale formations fracked in Pennsylvania are much deeper. They range from 8.500 feet- to over 12,000 feet below the ground. The groundwater in Lee County is deep – up to 1,000 feet. Fractures are known to travel up to 2,000 feet – greater than the distance between the gas and the groundwater in Lee County. The cracks in this shale, caused by fracking, are large enough to connect the gas & contaminate our groundwater. About Fracking & Drilling What is fracking? Fracking drills deep underground vertically and then horizontally. Toxic chemicals mixed with water, used at high pressures to crack underground shale, frees the gas trapped within. Drilling and fracking can release harmful chemicals into the air affecting health, linked to early death, pregnancy issues, cancer, and respiratory and heart problems. Conventional drilling can potentially contaminate groundwater with methane and pollutants if it cracks underground rock. Methane can dissolve harmful metals like arsenic and iron, making well water unsafe to drink. Fracking can pollute rivers and other water bodies on the surface. Flowback water or spills of chemicals can get into surface water (like the Deep River!) The injection of wastewater underground has been linked to induced seismic activity, including micro-earthquakes. Children living near fracking wells are more likely to get certain cancers like leukemia & lymphoma.
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