Trezevant Alderman Warns Dangers of Data Centers: "They're coming"

TREZEVANT (August 11) — Alderman Dan Dieringer addressed his fellow aldermen Tuesday night at the beginning of the Town of Trezevant's August board meeting, warning of the dangers of data centers. He urged the council to consider creating an ordinance regarding data centers before they arrive in Trezevant.

Dieringer attended the Carroll County Commission meeting the night prior, during which commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on data centers on county property.

"That [moratorium] doesn't protect each town," Dieringer said. "We're on our own."

Dieringer listed water and power consumption as the two biggest threats data centers present to small towns. He also mentioned the potential for noise pollution.

Alderman Mark Argo, who works closely with the Trezevant Water Department, said the department would not be able to handle the needs of a data center.

Additionally, Dieringer told the board that data centers would not bring work to the area, as even the largest data centers only require up to 20 engineers on staff.

Data centers have begun popping up across West Tennessee, with one currently under construction in Humboldt.

"It's coming, guys," Dieringer said. "The snowball is coming down the mountain…Our town needs to decide what we want."

Dieringer suggested building and passing an ordinance as soon as possible, before companies begin eyeing Trezevant as a potential location for data centers.

"We need to get on the books," Dieringer said. "We can always amend ordinances."

Dieringer's plea went without a motion or a vote, and it is up to the Town of Trezevant Board of Aldermen to develop and present an ordinance on data centers in the coming months.