Company withdraws data center proposal, residents express skepticism

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Energy company Balico has announced that it is pulling its application to rezone 750 acres in the Chatham area from residential, agricultural, and industrial for a 3500-megawatt power plant with up to 12 data centers.

For months, many people in the rural community have voiced concerns due to the potential for pollution, noise, and traffic issues.

But locals with the Coalition for the Protection of Pittsylvania County are still skeptical of the company’s announcement.

“I’m glad to hear it, but I think it’s some kind of tactic,” said Wayne Davis, Pittsylvania County resident.

According to an email from the company, Balico says it is now looking at other development options like a residential subdivision.

It reads, “while a residential development is not the ideal use we had envisioned for this property, it represents a viable alternative that could still deliver value to our stakeholders, particularly if the data center campus does not proceed.”

This is the second time the company has pulled the application, and some residents still have questions.

“I’m very curious about that sentence, ‘if the data center does not proceed,‘” said Amy Walker, Pittsylvania County resident. “I think that it is not quite the clean, clear thing that it appears to be.”

“I don’t think they know what they’re doing,” said Darrell Campbell, Pastor of Mill Creek Community Church. “I think they keep running into opposition and they go back and punt again.” Pittsylvania County resident.

The announcement comes after a public health impact report was released Monday morning by Harvard University and the Southern Environmental Law Center.

It explained that the emissions from the proposed power plant would cause severe health risks for Pittsylvania County residents and surrounding communities.

“Far too often we talk about gas fired energy as clean and that’s inaccurate,” said Amanda Sink Wynder, Pittsylvania County resident. “It’s cleaner than coal, but is certainly not clean for people who exist near it.”

The public hearing set for Tuesday night is currently still on the agenda.

The meeting was moved to Chatham High School due to the anticipated turnout.

WDBJ7 asked Balico for an interview to provide further comments and reasons behind the withdrawal. Here is the company’s response:

“Balico can confirm the validity of the press release from today. We will be considering all options going forward. We will not be providing any further commentary at this time.”