I am greatly concerned with the proposed variance allowing a variance of the rules restricting the use of diesel generators to support data centers, particularly those which are close to residential areas and schools.  I live in Bristow, VA and proposed data centers will e built with only a buffer of 100 feet from my home.   The land behind our home was originally zoned for conservation and light agriculture.  During COVID, the BOCS changed the zoning to allow data centers.  The current site plan has 11 huge data centers surrounding our neighborhood.  The data centers will be from 75’ to 80’.

There have already been complaints about the constant, loud noise from existing data centers in Prince William County.  This noice is 24/7.  If the variance is approved, this will greatly exacerbate the noise which is already present.  I have heard that this will be 100s of diesel generators operating by our neighborhood.  Besides the noise, the air quality will certainly be reduced if the variance was approved.  The protection of persons from the noise and pollution is exactly why the rule is in place.  Everything has been rushed with the data centers, without knowing all the harmful effects.  It would seem to be the most prudent course to have the electrical infrastructure in place first, before building the data centers.  By allowing the variance, it will only make a very bad situation far worse.