Ohio’s Data Center Boom: Infrastructure Strain, Environmental Risks, and Public Health Challenges in 2024

Ohio’s rapid expansion of data centers continues to reshape the state's economic landscape, promising growth and innovation. However, recent developments reveal an urgent need to address the mounting strain on water, sewer, and utility infrastructure, alongside escalating environmental and public health concerns. As communities grapple with these interconnected issues, policymakers and residents alike are calling for responsible planning, stronger safeguards, and sustainable solutions to ensure Ohio’s growth does not come at the expense of public safety or environmental integrity.

Infrastructure Under Siege: Water Systems and Utility Failures

The surge in data center development has significantly increased demand on Ohio’s aging infrastructure, exposing vulnerabilities that have led to multiple incidents across cities:

• Marion: Residents remain unsettled as water issues persist. The Ohio EPA has been actively investigating after a recent boil advisory was issued due to a fire protection system malfunction, which compromised water safety. This incident underscores Marion’s fragile municipal water system, strained by both aging infrastructure and increased consumption.
• Bellefontaine: The city issued a water boil advisory following a loss of water pressure caused by a malfunctioning pump, highlighting operational stress on local utilities.
• Youngstown: Ongoing water loss due to outdated pipelines has prompted violations from the Ohio EPA and urgent repair efforts. City officials warn that without significant upgrades, disruptions and costs will continue to escalate.
• Cleveland: The emergence of a sinkhole on the west side—revealed by recent geotechnical inspections—spotlights the deteriorating state of urban sewer and water infrastructure. Such incidents not only pose safety hazards but threaten to release contaminants into waterways, exacerbating environmental concerns.

These failures are translating into increased utility bills and service outages, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities. The strain is compounded by the high operational costs of repairing or replacing aging systems, which local governments are struggling to fund amid competing priorities.

Environmental and Public Health Risks Rise

The environmental footprint of data center wastewater management is under intense scrutiny. Currently, the Ohio EPA is reviewing proposals that could allow data centers to discharge wastewater directly into rivers, raising alarms about chemical contaminants infiltrating Ohio’s waterways.

Lingering Chemical Contamination

The East Palestine train derailment of February 2023 remains a stark reminder of chemical hazards. Recent water tests from the affected area reveal elevated vinyl chloride levels—a known carcinogen linked to long-term health risks such as liver damage and increased cancer incidence. Local residents report persistent symptoms, including respiratory issues and skin irritations, fueling distrust toward authorities and demanding comprehensive cleanup efforts.

Broader Public Health Challenges

Ohio’s population faces multiple health crises that compound environmental risks:

• Infectious disease outbreaks: Recent spikes in measles cases east of Dayton and meningococcal infections at Kent State University highlight vulnerabilities, particularly as vaccination rates decline.
• Opioid epidemic: Law enforcement continues to seize significant quantities of fentanyl, with Hamilton County filing a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies over inflated insulin prices, exposing disparities that worsen health outcomes for low-income residents.
• Health disparities: Marginalized communities bear the brunt of these crises, struggling with limited access to healthcare and environmental protections.

Response Measures: Regulation, Community Engagement, and Policy Initiatives

Recognizing the severity of these challenges, Ohio state and local agencies are mobilizing:

• The Ohio EPA has ramped up inspections of water systems, prioritizing Marion, Bellefontaine, and others experiencing failures. Their goal: restore water safety and prevent future disruptions.
• Legislators are advancing a bipartisan siting and regulatory commission tasked with overseeing data center placement, ensuring environmental assessments, community involvement, and transparency in development projects.
• Several bills from Democratic lawmakers aim to tighten safeguards on wastewater discharge and land use, promoting sustainable development standards.

Grassroots and Civic Engagement

Community voices are gaining prominence:

• Toledo has launched a series of town halls to allow residents to voice concerns about utility reliability and environmental health.
• In Akron, civic assemblies are mobilizing residents to address infrastructural deficiencies and advocate for resilient, equitable growth.

Sustainability and Resilience: Toward a Greener Ohio

To support responsible growth, Ohio is investing in sustainable infrastructure:

• Water and sewer upgrades are underway in Cleveland and Cincinnati, aiming to modernize aging systems and reduce environmental hazards.
• Cities like Toledo and Hamilton County are exploring biochar projects, converting waste into soil amendments that sequester carbon and improve land health.
• Ohio’s energy policy emphasizes nuclear expansion as a low-carbon power source for data centers, aligning economic development with climate goals.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Growth with Safety and Sustainability

While Ohio’s data center expansion offers significant economic opportunities, recent incidents serve as stark warnings. Without strategic planning, increased investment in infrastructure, and robust environmental safeguards, the risks to public health and the environment could outweigh the benefits.

Key priorities moving forward include:

• Accelerating infrastructure modernization to ensure water, sewer, and utility systems can withstand future demands.
• Implementing stricter environmental oversight, especially concerning wastewater discharges and chemical contaminant controls.
• Promoting transparent policymaking and active community participation to foster trust and ensure development benefits all residents.
• Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, safeguarding Ohio’s long-term health and resilience.

As 2024 unfolds, Ohio’s ability to address these intertwined challenges will determine whether its technological and economic advancements can be achieved responsibly—creating a future that is resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound.