Date: 4/5/26 9:48 am From: Patty McLean <000008e6fff5e5c8-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area
We've got the same challenge in Conway with a large data center proposed for Lollie Bottoms -- across from the sewer plant. Obviously, at both locations, they would like to use the Arkansas River to cool the equipment and to dump their waste water.Funnily enough, here's what AI gave me about the negative consequences of these large power-hungry centers: "Large data centers present several significant environmental challenges, primarily driven by their massive energy and water requirements.
1. High Energy Consumption
Data centers currently account for approximately 1.5% to 4% of global electricity use, a figure projected to double by 2030 due to AI demands.
Fossil Fuel Reliance: Many facilities rely on local grids powered by coal or natural gas, increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Inundating Grids: A single hyperscale data center can consume as much power as 100,000 households, straining regional energy infrastructure and potentially raising costs for local residents.
2. Massive Water Usage
Cooling systems are essential to prevent servers from overheating, often using "evaporative cooling" which consumes vast amounts of freshwater.
Volume: Large centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water per day—equivalent to the needs of a city of 50,000 people.
Regional Stress: Roughly two-thirds of U.S. data centers built since 2022 are located in water-stressed regions, competing with local agriculture and residential needs.
3. Electronic Waste (e-Waste)
Hardware in data centers is frequently "refreshed" every three to five years to keep up with processing advancements.
Toxic Components: Discarded servers and networking gear contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and groundwater if not recycled properly.
Low Recycling Rates: Globally, less than 25% of e-waste is documented as properly recycled, with much of it ending up in landfills.
4. Localized Pollution
Air Quality: Facilities use large diesel backup generators for outages. These emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which are linked to respiratory issues in nearby communities.
Noise Pollution: The constant hum from massive industrial cooling fans and generators can create significant noise disturbances for adjacent neighborhoods."
The impact on birds and birders may be extreme.Patty McLean
-------- Original message --------From: Donna Haynes <00000003bd9d64d2-dmarc-request...> Date: 4/3/26 6:42 PM (GMT-06:00) To: <ARBIRD-L...> Subject: Data Center at Little Rock Port Area Is anyone writing letters, showing up at meetings, doing petitions regarding the proposed Google Data Center at the Little Rock Port Area? I have read public comments are open until April 24, but I have yet to find where to submit public comments.On a side note it is called Project Boar. I find that fitting since like Wild Boars, Data Centers are invasive and destructive to native habitats and their animal and human residents. Donna Haynes West Pulaski Co. Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
