The Hidden Environmental Costs of Data Centers

The Hidden Environmental Costs of Data Centers: A Closer Look at Waterford, Connecticut

Introduction

In our increasingly digital world, data centers play a crucial role in keeping our online lives running smoothly. From streaming our favorite shows to storing photos, these facilities allow for our ever increasing use of the internet, and as more and more information is stored online, the need for data centers rise. Behind the convenience and connectivity, however, data centers have significant environmental impacts that are often overlooked. This article explores both general concerns around data centers, and additionally takes a closer look at potential effects of the prosed data center in Waterford, Connecticut.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Data centers require substantial land for their construction and operation. This often leads to the destruction of natural habitats, which can have severe consequences for local wildlife. For instance, the clearing of forests and grasslands to make way for these facilities can displace species and fragment their habitats. This fragmentation makes it difficult for animals to move freely, find food, and reproduce, ultimately threatening their survival.

The proposed data center in Waterford would occupy about 55 acres of the Millstone Nuclear Power Station site. While the developers claim that the project will be environmentally friendly, there are valid concerns about the potential impacts on local wildlife and habitats.

Energy Consumption and Emissions

One of the most pressing environmental concerns associated with data centers is their immense energy consumption. These facilities operate 24/7, requiring vast amounts of electricity to power servers, cooling systems, and other infrastructure. This high energy demand contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change—a major threat to global biodiversity.

The Waterford data center plans to draw electricity directly from the Millstone nuclear power plant, providing a non-carbon solution to meet the growing demand for data infrastructure. However, this arrangement does not alleviate concerns regarding energy security with the additional strain on the power plant’s output.

Wireless Radiation

Wireless radiation, or electromagnetic radiation (EMR), emitted by data centers and other wireless infrastructure, can have subtle yet significant effects on wildlife. Birds, insects, and small mammals are particularly sensitive to EMR. Studies have shown that this radiation can disrupt their navigation systems, feeding behaviors, and even reproductive success. For instance, bees exposed to high levels of EMR have shown impaired navigation and reduced foraging efficiency, which can impact their colonies.

In humans, long term EMR exposure is thought to have negative effects thourhgout the body, including things such as skin and eye damage, fertility issues, neurological effects, and more.

Noise Pollution

The constant hum of servers and cooling systems in data centers generates noise pollution, which can affect nearby wildlife. Animals that rely on sound for communication, such as birds and bats, may find it challenging to navigate and hunt in noisy environments. This disruption can lead to changes in behavior and reduced reproductive success.

Residents of Waterford and neighboring East Lyme have expressed concerns about the noise and light pollution that the proposed data center might generate. These disturbances could have far-reaching effects not only on the local environment, but on general quality of life as well

The Waterford Proposal: A Microcosm of a Larger Issue

The proposed data center in Waterford is not an isolated case. Connecticut is seeing a surge in data center proposals, driven by state incentives designed to attract these facilities. Despite potential economic benefits, however, environmental costs should not be ignored.

Other Local Proposed Sites

• Groton, Montville, Norwich, Bozrah, and Griswold: These towns are also considering data center projects, reflecting a broader trend in the region.

State Incentives vs. Environmental Concerns

Connecticut offers significant tax incentives to attract data center developers, including sales and use tax exemptions, property tax exemptions, and exemptions from future financial transactions taxes. While these incentives aim to boost the local economy, they also encourage rapid development without sufficient environmental safeguards.

In contrast, some states have implemented restrictions to balance economic growth with environmental protection. For example, Virginia has introduced legislation to regulate the siting of data centers, ensuring they do not harm historic, agricultural, and cultural resources. Similarly, Georgia has imposed a moratorium on tax incentives for data centers while reassessing their impact.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Development

While data centers are essential for our digital lives, it’s crucial to recognize and address their environmental impacts. The proposed data center in Waterford, Connecticut, exemplifies the complex balance between technological progress and environmental stewardship. By adopting sustainable practices and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that our technological advancements do not come at the expense of our planet’s health.

Connecticut should consider implementing more stringent regulations and environmental protections for data center developments. This approach would help mitigate the negative impacts on wildlife and local communities, ensuring a sustainable future for both humans and nature. Together, we can create a balance between technological progress and environmental safeguarding.

Niantic Bay and Jordan Cove

While the effects of data centers can be far reaching, areas immediately surrounding them will likely suffer the greatest harm. Nestled on the Connecticut coastline, Niantic Bay and Jordan Cove are the two areas located most closely to the proposed data center site.

Niantic Bay

• Location: Niantic Bay is situated along the coast of East Lyme and Waterford, Connecticut. It opens into Long Island Sound, providing stunning views and a variety of water-based activities, as well as a quaint downtown area with various shops and restaurants.

• Recreational Activities: The bay is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Niantic Bay Boardwalk and interconnecting beach trails offer a scenic route for walking and enjoying the coastal views.

• Wildlife and Habitat: The bay supports diverse marine life, including fish, shellfish, and bird species, and is an important area for recreational and commercial fishing.

Jordan Cove

• Location: Jordan Cove is located just west of Niantic Bay, on the opposing side of Millstone. It is a smaller, more sheltered body of water connected to Long Island Sound.

• Recreational Activities: The cove is used for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for these activities.

• Wildlife and Habitat: Jordan Cove is home to various bird species, including herons and egrets, and serves as a habitat for fish and other aquatic life.

Environmental Concerns

Both Niantic Bay and Jordan Cove have experienced environmental fragmentation due to coastal development and human activities. This fragmentation can disrupt the natural habitats and migration patterns of wildlife, leading to a decline in biodiversity.

Potential Impact of the Proposed Data Center

The proposed data center at the Millstone Nuclear Power Station site in Waterford could exacerbate these issues:

• Habitat Loss: The construction of the data center would involve clearing forest land, which could destroy critical habitats for local wildlife. This is particularly concerning for species that rely on the coastal wetlands and marshes.

• Increased Pollution: The operation of the data center could lead to increased noise and light pollution, which can disturb the natural behaviors of wildlife. Additionally, any potential runoff from the site could contaminate the waters, affecting marine life.

• Fragmentation: Further development in this area will increase habitat fragmentation, making it more difficult for wildlife to move freely and maintain healthy populations. Specifically, the proposed site would clear forest land which connects the large coastal area on the Waterford side of the Niantic Bay Bridge to neighboring woodland areas (see photos).

Conclusion

Niantic Bay and Jordan Cove are valuable coastal ecosystems that provide essential habitats for wildlife and recreational opportunities for the community. The proposed data center in Waterford poses significant environmental risks that need to be carefully considered. By prioritizing environmental protections and implementing stricter regulations, we can ensure that these coastal treasures are preserved for future generations.