Montgomery County Data Center Cooling Project

proposed

A proposed data center development at the site of the former Dickerson coal-fired power plant in Upper Montgomery County plans to use water from the Potomac River for cooling. The project involves using the river water to cool servers, which typically results in returning warmer water back into the river. The project has raised environmental concerns regarding the impact of warm water discharge on the river's ecosystem and water quality. Local residents, environmental groups, and officials are weighing the potential benefits and risks of the development. Legislation is being considered to bring more transparency and holistic evaluation to data center projects in the county.