CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Over objections from a number of community opponents, the West Virginia Air Quality board has upheld an air quality permit for construction of a power plant and data center in Tucker county.
Three organizations, Tucker United, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, and SierraClub appealed the permit approved by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for Fundamental Data’s project near the towns of Davis and Thomas.
“We are extremely disappointed in the Air Quality Board’s decision to uphold the air permit for the Ridgeline facility, despite significant concerns from community members,” said Amy Margolies, a member of Tucker United in a press release following this weeks rejection of their challenge. “The board failed to protect the health and well-being of West Virginians, opting instead to favor the interests of out-of-state developers.”
The opponents based their objections to a determination by DEP that the facility would be a “minor source” of emissions. They also raised objections to redactions in the company’s application for the permit, claiming the information should be made public.
Fundamental Data issued the following statement on the Air Quality Board’s ruling:
“Today’s decision by the West Virginia Air Quality Board affirms that Ridgeline and its operating plans are consistent with WV law. Ridgeline is designed to serve West Virginia first. Strengthening the state’s technology economy, creating jobs, and keeping energy production and its benefits in West Virginia. Fundamental Data recognizes the significance of this project to nearby communities and remains committed to responsible operations and thoughtful communication as the project moves forward. This milestone sets the stage for what comes next at Ridgeline, and we look forward to sharing more in the near term.”
Although favorable to the dvelopers, the Air Quality Board did agree continued air quality monitoring of the site must continue.
Ridgeline is proposing the data center and the power plant to fuel it to be developed on a 500 acre site between the Thomas and Davis communities.