Residents of Marion County plan to protect their county from the negative affects of Data Centers. A meeting held Monday evening, August 24th, allowed residents to hear from experts on what to expect and how to protect their community. Some of the highlights included Bruce Castor, former board member of the St. Johns Water Management District who emphasized that his biggest concern was that the state has over-extended it's water budget and Data Centers use up too much water.

John Wray presented the impact that the noise generated by their 24/7 operations present numerous health problems to people and wildlife. The low frequency vibrations penetrate walls and can travel many miles. Karen Baldwin also spoke to the many environmental impacts of data Centers; increased air pollution from fossil fuel generators, 24/7 light pollution affecting biological functions of people and wildlife, heat islands increasing average temperatures up to six miles away, and run-off. Captain Sebastian Didato emphasized the degradation of Silver River and it's springs from over-pumping and drought. 

Dee Dee Wray spoke to the importance of scheduling time to speak with the commissioners, the deleterious affects of tax abatements costing the community lost revenue from the added cost of infrastructure, and the importance of crafting ordinances to provide limits and guidelines for power, water, light and noise. 

Urban Planner Michael Hill wrapped up the night with his emphasis on the power of citizen initiatives; reading the Land Development Code, focusing on Future Land Use.  Moratoriums provide communities time to strategize and look to other communities for ideas on protective language. He also suggested we establish a positive working relationship with staff and commissioners, bringing them our research, giving them the tools to achieve our goals.