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Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Resident Questions

This FAQ addresses common resident questions about data centers in New Albany, including noise and sound mitigation, zoning standards, and potential impacts on utility services.

The City of New Albany is committed to transparency and will continue updating this resource as new information becomes available.

Could living near a data center mean more noise, bright lights, or vibrations in my neighborhood?

Such nuisances, whether related to construction or a finished, operational facility, are regulated in the New Albany Code of Ordinances. This code restricts noise levels at site boundaries to the same decibel level as the nearest residential neighborhood. 

In more than 25 years of development, the City is not aware of any ground vibration complaints, whether from data centers or otherwise. The City does receive occasional construction noise and light-related complaints which are not specific to the data center industry. Residents have also submitted data center-specific noise complaints during initial building tests. Data centers often install backup power generators and overly redundant cooling systems that require startup testing to verify performance. These systems are only deployed in emergency situations, such as a prolonged power outage or extraordinary weather event, but may be run for a full day or two during initial performance testing. Once verified complete, occasional tests may be required, but these can be scheduled for peak daylight hours to ensure as little disturbance as possible.

Over the course of more than 15 years of data center development, specifically, New Albany is only aware of four noise complaints from an operational data center – all of which were resolved within days.  In September of 2025, the City received consistent feedback from residents near Google’s New Albany campus about noisy exhaust fans. Google acknowledged the issue and retained a sound engineer and mechanical engineering experts in contract within two weeks. Google has already implemented several mitigation steps, including sound monitoring, operational adjustments, and dampening materials. They set up an email address specifically for residents to report the noise when they hear it and provided regular updates to city officials to share with the public. A permanent fix is scheduled for installation beginning in June of 2026, which is designed to comply with the City codes. We know residents want this resolved immediately, and we share that sense of urgency. Google has been proactive and collaborative as short-term mitigation options were tested while the permanent solution was designed and approved.

The City of New Albany is working to address noise complaints from neighbors near two active data center sites, one operated by Google and one operated by Meta. Both companies are actively working to identify and address the underlying causes, while the City works closely with them to resolve the concerns and ensure the facilities remain in compliance with the City’s data center zoning framework.

Google

In September 2025, the City of New Albany received feedback from residents near Google’s New Albany campus about noise from cooling fans. Google acknowledged the concern and engaged sound and mechanical engineering experts within two weeks to investigate the issue. Since then, Google has implemented several mitigation measures, including sound monitoring, operational adjustments, and sound-dampening materials. Google also established a dedicated email address for residents to report noise when they hear it and has provided regular updates to City officials to share with the community. A permanent solution is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with the goal of addressing the underlying cause of the noise. Throughout the process, Google has worked collaboratively with the City and residents.

Meta

In July 2026, the City was notified about periodic noise from Meta’s New Albany data center campus south of SR-161. Meta has remained in close communication with the City since the noise was reported and is actively working toward a resolution. The noise was reported after a temporary sound wall was removed as construction neared completion. The City and Meta agree that the wall was removed too soon, and the wall will be reconstructed. Meta has taken initial steps to reduce noise, including:

1. Implementing changes to current operations intended to help manage sound levels, such as turning up fans in phases rather than all at once;

2. Installing a temporary sound wall along Morse Road while construction continues;

3. Collaborating with the City to assess the noise mitigation value of additional features, such as landscaped berms or a permanent sound wall; and

4. Installing sound attenuating equipment (e.g., silencers), designed to diffuse sound from Meta’s facility.

The City knows that residents want noise issues resolved immediately, and we share that sense of urgency. City staff will continue to share updates on this section of the data center microsite as work progresses.

The tech sector has seen continued interest and investment from government and defense-related entities, especially in central Ohio. Intel and Anduril – both large, catalyst tech investments in our region – have existing contracts with the federal government, as do several of the data center companies in New Albany. In the City’s experience, these projects do not present heightened security concerns. Many businesses throughout the New Albany International Business Park have private security, active video surveillance, and other security measures, including a direct line of communication with the New Albany Police Department.

In the New Albany area, fire departments are managed by the townships. Fire marshal approval is part of the development process for every commercial development in New Albany, as are annual inspections. 

Beyond the minimum required compliance, data centers have been great partners with each township fire department. In some instances, fire departments have managed the controlled burn of structures being cleared for development, presenting new and unique training opportunities. Data centers have also hosted fire department staff to discuss fire contingency plans and to brief firefighters on industry-specific interior fire suppression measures. Several data center campuses have their own fire response teams. Data centers have not presented unusual concerns for other emergency services, like EMS/Ambulance.

Zoning is the local legal regulation of how property is used and can be developed. The City of New Albany’s zoning framework for data centers reflects the same thoughtful and intentional approach that guides all development in our community. By requiring thoughtful site planning, coordinated architecture, and enhanced buffering, the City ensures that large-scale facilities such as data centers are seamlessly integrated into their surroundings. By incorporating data centers into pre-zoned, shovel-ready sites within the New Albany International Business Park, the City ensures these facilities align with long-term land use goals and minimize potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. This approach reflects a strong commitment to balancing economic growth with community character and reinforces the principles outlined in the city’s comprehensive strategic plan.

Data centers are a permitted use in the General Employment (Codified Ordinances § 1153) and Technology Manufacturing District (TMD) (Codified Ordinances § 1154). Over time developers, landowners, City staff, the Planning Commission, and City Council have identified and implemented best practices into each of these zoning texts and base code to facilitate well-planned development and mitigate impacts to adjoining areas. The TMD zoning district was the product of a 2021 City-led effort to consolidate all the best practices from these prior zonings. Whether it be within the TMD zoning district or the GE zoning district with a Limited Overlay commercial zoning text, data centers in New Albany are subject to heightened standards that go beyond basic zoning ordinance requirements found in other communities.

These heightened standards include: 

Enhanced landscaping

  • Wherever possible, existing natural features must be incorporated into future development.
  • Installation of white four-rail horse fence that preserves the agrarian character of the community. Paint color, fence rail and post dimensions, and species of wood to be used in the construction of the fence are predetermined and standardized.
  • Installation of standardized blacktop leisure trail to provide pedestrian connections that enable walking, biking, and other recreation. The placement of this pathway is consistent relative to the nearest curb, as is the width of the path, strips of grass on either side, and street tree placement.
  • Specific size, gradient, and undulation criteria for swales, berms, and gateway water features that screen development from roadways.
  • Preapproved native species lists with specified tree installation sizes, spacings, and required underplanted shrubs and seeded meadow mix. In the case that berm height is unable to be met around the entirety of a site, plantings that provide 100% screening coverage at full foliage can be deployed within these criteria.
  • Pond shapes, plantings, and gradings that aesthetically integrate into the surrounding landscape; wetland plant mixes must be developed in consultation with a wetland ecologist.
  • Consistent campus entrance signage, roadway and wayfinding/address signage, and street light standards including specifications for the size, frequency, color, graphics, fonts, construction materials and placement proximate to paths, fences, bridges, and roadways.
  • Preapproved primary entry drive widths, radii of curbing, skirt and drive materials, and roadway paint schemas.
  • Specific bridge requirements with consideration for architecture, materials, height, wall width and aesthetic, and surrounding culvert size and shape.

Architectural standards

  • Accessory or ancillary buildings, whether attached or detached, must be of similar design, materials and construction as the primary structure if they are visible from a public street right-of-way.
  • Building façade colors and materials are coordinated to complement each other.
  • Building elevations shall be designed to be compatible with each other and to reflect a consistent design approach.
  • Elements such as meter boxes, utility conduits, roof and wall projections such as vent and exhaust pipes, basement window enclosures, and trash containers must be located so as to minimize their visibility and visual impact from off-site. For more information, please reference The New Albany Technology Manufacturing District Landscape and Architecture Standards Plan.

Screening elements that are complementary to primary buildings

  • Mechanical equipment and service areas that cannot be located out of sight of public right-of-way must be screened using materials and design treatments that match the building’s architecture, reinforcing a cohesive and high-quality visual environment. Special attention has been given to design requirements within setbacks along major public streets to balance site and facility needs with the rural aesthetic throughout the business park.

Noise mitigation standards to minimize off-site impacts 

  • Rather than establishing a specific decibel limit, the City’s noise ordinance prohibits the sound on an industrial parcel from exceeding “the average intensity of street traffic noise in the nearest residential districts.” Furthermore, “no sound shall be objectionable due to intermittence, best frequency or shrillness” (Codified Ordinances § 1153.07).

New Albany’s strategic planning process demonstrates that clearly defined standards can successfully accommodate complex, large-scale developments like data centers without compromising community character.

Several agencies oversee different aspects of data center operations in and around New Albany, depending on the issue involved. Residents with concerns can contact the appropriate agency directly:

  • Noise, lighting, zoning compliance, and construction impacts — overseen by the City of New Albany. Residents can report concerns through the City at (614) 855-0076 or through the City website.
  • Wastewater discharge and sewer compliance — regulated by the City of Columbus Division of Water Reclamation, which manages industrial pretreatment programs and wastewater treatment for New Albany and other contracting communities. Industrial users must comply with local discharge permits and pretreatment standards. Residents can contact Columbus Water & Power Customer Service at 614-645-8276 or visit their website.
  • Air emissions and environmental permitting — overseen by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, including regulation of air quality, wastewater permitting, and environmental compliance. Residents can submit environmental complaints or concerns through the Ohio EPA website.
  • Natural gas power generation facilities — regulated by the Ohio Power Siting Board, which reviews and approves major utility-scale energy infrastructure projects in Ohio.
  • Emergency services and fire safety compliance — handled through New Albany fire departments, fire marshals, and ongoing inspection requirements as part of the commercial development approval process.

New Albany is not a municipal provider of water, electricity, or natural gas. Electricity and natural gas services are offered by private utility companies. The City works closely with power providers who finance, build, own, and maintain their own transmission infrastructure to ensure that planned development has enough power on the necessary development timeline. 

The City of New Albany is a contract community to the City of Columbus for water and sanitary sewer service, meaning New Albany finances and constructs water and sewer infrastructure (pipes, pumps, towers, etc.) but water and purification services are provided by the City of Columbus. New Albany manages water allocations to users by requiring a statement of anticipated water use from developers before an abatement agreement is ever negotiated. Using this form, the City is able to advise developers as to whether the necessary water demand can be met within the water allocated to New Albany from the City of Columbus.

The City actively monitors water and sewer use using digital monitors in critical infrastructure junctions throughout the New Albany International Business Park. These real-time readings help City engineers maintain a desktop model of water pressure and consumption. Using long-term trends in this use data (and thanks to developers’ anticipated water needs as submitted to the City via the form mentioned above, which is received years in advance of actual demand) the City can anticipate future water use well in advance. This modeling triggers the construction of water pumps and towers to maintain pressure well before they are immediately necessary to support development. Consistently maintaining a reasonable excess of water and sewer capacity is part of the City’s responsible model for economic development.

Thanks to this proactive system, the City has not required any more water or sewer capacity from the City of Columbus over the past decade; a timeframe that captures all of New Albany’s hyperscaler data center development. The City has found that while some data centers may require 3-4 million gallons per day, these facilities are, in practice, only using that volume of water to refresh their systems several times per year. These refresh events are scheduled in partnership with the City of Columbus well in advance. Some companies have also installed water tanks on site to draw down larger volume steadily during times of low use (at night, for example) for deployment during higher-use periods (like early morning hours).

The City of New Albany does not have direct control over water and power rates. New Albany is a contract community of Columbus for water service, meaning New Albany builds water infrastructure and Columbus purifies and pumps water to city boundaries and treats effluent. Electricity throughout the New Albany International Business Park is primarily provided by American Electric Power or The Energy Cooperative. 

Utility rates are established by utility providers based on system-wide demand across their entire service territories. As a result, a New Albany resident served by American Electric Power would be subject to the same potential rate adjustments as customers in other Columbus-area suburbs – or anywhere within AEP’s multi-state service area – regardless of whether a data center is in the New Albany International Business Park or elsewhere on the provider’s grid. The same is true of Columbus water and sewer services, though on a smaller, regional scale; a large water user anywhere in Columbus’ water service area would cause the same rate adjustments across the entire network.

A rate adjustment does not necessarily mean a rate increase. Basic principles around economies of scale dictate that as existing excess capacity is used, a utility’s cost per unit decreases. While this savings is not always passed on directly to the end consumer, it may prevent future rate increases for some time. This is especially true in post-industrial regions with significant excess utility capacity due to previous commercial users closing or moving elsewhere. Additional costs are incurred when further infrastructure buildout is required; expenses for an additional water treatment plant or larger transmission lines may be displaced across an entire utility network.

Some of the highest power-consuming data centers in New Albany have turned to generating their own power disconnected from the grid. Based on current proposals, as much as one gigawatt of power is anticipated to be generated in this manner using behind-the-meter natural gas power generation. This allows data centers to generate and utilize power to meet their demands without impacting ratepayers across the region. 

Data center companies proactively took an interest in Central Ohio, and New Albany has worked hard to attract data center projects as part of its efforts to stabilize and diversify its tax base. Were the same data center projects – or any other business in New Albany – to have gone to another Central Ohio community, residents may have borne the utility costs without receiving the benefit of these corporate taxpayers in New Albany. Securing data center investment in New Albany allows the City to receive revenues from the project, and more broadly, to represent New Albany residents at the table with the data center companies, utility providers, environmental organizations, legal teams, and others who are advancing this industry around the world.

New Albany actively monitors and manages water usage across the business park. Water use varies by industry, and in many cases, uses complement one another. To reduce mineral buildup in water cooling infrastructure, some data centers further purify water, ultimately discharging cleaner water into the sanitary sewer than was originally received. Other data centers use regular tap water and discharge it again without ever adding chemicals. All industrial discharges join other effluent, all of which is treated by the City of Columbus. 

An industrial wastewater permit is required to connect to the Columbus sanitary sewer network. This permit establishes local discharge limits. The City of Columbus actively monitors effluents in sanitary sewage and enforces permitted limits accordingly. Columbus City Code 1145.20 – 1145.26 establishes these discharge limits. Amidst national reports of data centers releasing pollutants or further concentrating already-polluted ground water, the City of New Albany has repeatedly verified that such effluents are not present in industrial discharge from New Albany in partnership with the City of Columbus. Such regulation and monitoring is possible in New Albany because all industrial development is connected to the City of Columbus water and sewer network. No companies in the New Albany International Business Park utilize groundwater from wells. All industrial operators in New Albany are engaged in ongoing discussions around water efficiency, reuse, and sustainability technologies.

OEPA has two divisions that oversee different aspects of water quality. The Division of Surface Water (DSW) regulates the construction and operation of data centers through various permitting programs. The Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) regulates public water systems and has limited authority over non-potable wells.

These divisions help ensure that economic development projects, including data centers, are developed and operated in ways that protect Ohio’s water quality.

Similar to other large construction projects, data center construction may disturb large areas of land. OEPA’s Stormwater Program within DSW oversees construction projects to help prevent mud, sediment, and pollutants from washing into nearby waterways. Under the program, any construction project that disturbs one acre or more of land must obtain a Construction Stormwater General Permit, develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) outlining how sediment and erosion will be controlled during construction, and submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to OEPA. Construction may begin only after the required approval is received.

Although Construction Stormwater General Permits are temporary and generally expire when construction is complete, data centers must continue to manage stormwater after construction as required by applicable permits and regulations. This may include maintaining stormwater ponds or other systems designed to reduce pollution.

OEPA published a fact sheet on its role and responsibilities in monitoring the environmental impacts of data center development, which can be read in full here.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) regulates, monitors, and limits data centers’ air emissions and wastewater discharges. 

Data centers must comply with state and federal pollution regulations designed to protect the environment and public health. OEPA cannot issue permits that do not meet applicable regulatory requirements. Once permits are issued, OEPA provides ongoing oversight to ensure facilities remain in compliance. 

OEPA’s Division of Air Pollution Control (DPAC) issues air permits that establish limits on the amount of air pollution data centers can emit. DPAC also conducts inspections and monitoring to ensure facilities comply with state and federal requirements. 

DPAC develops and enforces rules in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) to help Ohio attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established under the Clean Air Act, fulfill the requirements set forth by the Ohio General Assembly in Ohio Revised Code Section 3704, and protect and maintain healthy air quality for Ohio residents. 

Franklin County is part of DPAC’s Central District Office, which can be reached at 614-644-2270. To learn more about DPAC’s regulations, visit its website. For questions about air quality, email Max Moore, public information officer for OEPA, at max.moore@epaohio.gov. 

The OEPA investigates environmental complaints and potential violations in Ohio. To submit an environmental complaint, visit the OEPA website. 

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), in partnership with Franklin County Public Health, operates a neighborhood air quality monitoring network throughout Franklin County. Residents can use MORPC’s interactive air quality dashboard to view available monitoring data and learn more about air quality in their area. 

Residents can also visit AirNow.gov to check local air quality information based on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its monitoring partners. AirNow provides air quality information by location, including ZIP code. 

Frequently Asked Questions About On-site Natural Gas Generation

This FAQ provides information about the agencies responsible for reviewing, approving, and overseeing natural gas power generation facilities, including the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).

The City of New Albany is committed to transparency and will continue updating this resource as new information becomes available. The City also recognizes the importance of public participation in the OPSB’s process. To help residents stay informed and access public hearing information, we are providing a direct link to the OPSB’s public meeting calendar.

EdgeConneX has developed a fact sheet explaining its proposed on-site natural gas generation project, the OPSB’s review process, and answers to other frequently asked questions. Read the full fact sheet here.

What is 'behind-the-meter natural gas power generation'?

Any power generation that occurs on site, like rooftop solar, wind turbines, or backup power generators is considered “behind-the-meter” by utilities. These means of generation operate entirely independently from the grid. 

Some data centers are turning to behind-the-meter power generation to increase power availability on site to align power generation with real-time demand and to alleviate stress on the consumer power grid. Data centers are predominantly turning to natural gas-fired turbines as an alternative behind-the-meter power source.

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) governs major energy projects, generally those with generation capacities of 50 megawatts (MW) or more. The City of New Albany does not have the authority to approve, deny, or otherwise determine whether these facilities are constructed. Decisions regarding the need for the facility, fuel type, capacity, and operation are made at the state level through the OPSB’s review and certification process. The City can encourage specific site layouts, buffering, and acoustic measures via the zoning process. Emissions and other environmental impacts are permitted under the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).

The energy infrastructure required to support hyperscale data centers in New Albany may generate a distinct and additive category of tax revenue. When owned and operated by a third-party provider, this infrastructure is taxed as Public Utility Tangible Personal Property (PUPP) at full millage rates. PUPP revenues are additive to the overall revenue mix and are not eligible for CRA abatement or TIF capture, ensuring they flow directly at full millage to schools, townships, and other local jurisdictions. The PUPP revenues generated from third-party power generation infrastructure represents the highest revenue generation per acre use in the history of the New Albany International Business Park.

The Ohio Power Siting Board is currently reviewing the PowerConneX New Albany 3 Energy Center (Case No. 26-361-EL-BGN), a proposed natural gas generation facility in Licking County.

EdgeConneX has developed a fact sheet explaining its proposed on-site natural gas generation project, the OPSB’s review process, and answers to other frequently asked questions. Read the full fact sheet here.

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled on Nov. 4, at 10 a.m., at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (180 E. Broad St.). During the evidentiary hearing, the applicant, OPSB staff, and intervening parties will offer expert testimony and evidence regarding the proposed project.

Additionally, because of the change in venue, those who were unable to attend the Oct. 22 local public hearing may testify at the evidentiary hearing.

The City recognizes the importance of public participation in the Ohio Power Siting Board’s (OPSB) process. To help residents stay informed and access public hearing information, we are providing a direct link to the OPSB’s public meeting calendar. Please note that the OPSB manages its events calendar. Please check back on the OPSB’s website for the latest information on upcoming hearings.

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) is the state agency responsible for reviewing, modifying, approving, or denying natural gas facilities that generate a minimum of 50 megawatts (MW) of power. 

The OSPB is comprised of experts from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, as well as legislators from the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives. The board and legislative members who make up the OPSB are listed on the agency’s website.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4906.10, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) reviews applications for major utility facilities and may approve an application, deny it, or approve it with additional conditions or modifications. Before approving a natural gas power generation project, the Board must determine that:

  • Environmental impacts have been evaluated. The Board must consider the project’s likely environmental impacts and determine whether it represents the minimum adverse environmental impact, considering available technology, alternatives, costs, and other relevant factors.

  • The project complies with applicable environmental standards. The Board must determine that the facility will comply with applicable state laws and regulations governing air pollution, solid and hazardous waste, water pollution, and aviation safety.

  • The project serves the public interest. The Board must determine that the facility serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity.

  • Water conservation practices are incorporated. The facility must incorporate maximum feasible water conservation practices, considering available technology, costs, and alternatives.

  • Electric system reliability is considered. The Board must evaluate whether the facility is consistent with regional electric grid expansion plans and will serve the interests of electric system efficiency and reliability.

The OPSB bases its decision on the application and the record developed during its review. It may approve a project with additional conditions or modifications related to construction, operation, or maintenance.

The City has no decision-making power to approve or deny any project. The City can legally advocate for its planning and zoning standards to be met by intervening as a party in Ohio Power Siting cases. The City has intervened in natural gas power generation proceedings, working with specialized legal counsel to represent the interests of New Albany. Through this process, the City has been successful in ensuring that our planning and zoning standards were adopted as conditions of the OPSB rulings.  

The City will continue to participate in these proceedings. Documents related to these proceedings are publicly available through the OPSB. 

The Ohio Power Siting Board is responsible for setting the date, time, and location of the local public hearings. That information is publicly available on the Ohio Power Siting Board’s website as well as published in local newspapers as required by law. Copies of the applications themselves are available online and at local public libraries as required by law.

Additionally, the project developer is required by law to notify each property owner and affected tenant within a proposed project area and to certify to the Ohio Power Siting Board that they have done so. 

The City has added additional information to its website about natural gas generation and how residents can participate in the Ohio Power Siting Board’s (OPSB) public meeting process. We plan to share this resource with residents on a quarterly basis through our weekly Connects newsletter. 

In New Albany, there are four generation facilities supplying four data center projects that meet these criteria. The remaining data center projects receive power from AEP or through air cooled engineered solutions. While the New Albany International Business Park is home to 40 data centers, those facilities are located across 15 individual company campuses. 

New Albany is no longer approving additional annexation or zoning requests for data center development as the City focuses on expanding other Business Park clusters. Since April 2025, all approved rezoning applications have excluded data centers as a primary use. Data centers are permitted only as ancillary or auxiliary uses to a primary use group, with restrictions on their square footage and function to ensure they remain secondary to the primary use.

The environmental and health impacts of natural gas generation facilities lie with the Ohio Power Siting Board and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), pursuant to Ohio law.

It is the OPSB’s statutory duty to determine the probable environmental impact of a proposed project and whether the project represents the minimum adverse environmental impact, considering the state of available technology and other relevant considerations, consistent with Ohio Revised Code 4906.10(A)(2)and(3). The OPSB is the entity both required and best positioned to determine the environmental or health impacts of the projects, and the only entity with the authority to approve, modify, or deny a project based on its findings. 

In addition to the OPSB’s oversight, the OEPA regulates natural gas generation facilities in the same way all power plants are regulated. A data center power plant must abide by air and water permit requirements that keep pollution and discharge levels below state and federal standards. OEPA maintains a network of air monitoring sites. There are several OEPA air monitoring sites in the Columbus area, including at New Albany High School.

City officials have met with and continue to meet with the leadership and technical experts at the OEPA to understand its review process and the criteria for approval of the required OEPA applications, including air permits. 

The potential impacts of multiple projects within the same region are addressed through the regulatory processes of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). OEPA reviews the air quality impacts of each project as part of its permitting process, including applicable regulatory requirements and existing air quality conditions. The OPSB is required to consider applicable environmental factors when reviewing applications and making decisions on projects before the board. 

As part of its permitting responsibilities, OEPA must ensure projects comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and applicable Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) requirements, including limits on allowable increases in air pollutant concentrations above established baseline levels. NAAQS are federal standards that establish allowable concentrations of specific pollutants in outdoor air to protect public health and the environment. The PSD program is a federal preconstruction permitting program under the Clean Air Act designed to protect air quality in areas that meet established air quality standards. The PSD program is triggered by a PSD permit, which sets the baseline air quality and limits the amount air quality can degrade. In New Albany, the Intel Program triggered the PSD permit. *Source: OEPA 

The OEPA works with applicants to develop a modeling protocol. All new applications are modeled “on top” of the current model, thereby providing a cumulative impact assessment for OEPA to evaluate based on the NAAQS and PSD increments. *Source: OEPA 

Some data centers may use electricity generated by a nearby, dedicated natural gas power plant rather than relying entirely on Ohio’s electric grid. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) regulates, monitors, and limits natural gas generation facilities’ air emissions and wastewater discharges. 

These facilities are subject to the same regulatory framework as other power plants. They must comply with applicable air and water permit requirements designed to limit pollution and discharges in accordance with state and federal standards.

The OEPA investigates environmental complaints and potential violations in Ohio. To submit an environmental complaint, visit the OEPA website. 

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), in partnership with Franklin County Public Health, operates a neighborhood air quality monitoring network throughout Franklin County. Residents can use MORPC’s interactive air quality dashboard to view available monitoring data and learn more about air quality in their area. 

Residents can also visit AirNow.gov to check local air quality information based on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its monitoring partners. AirNow provides air quality information by location, including ZIP code. 

There are no plans to build a nuclear power plant in New Albany. Throughout 2025 and early 2026, several tech companies, including Meta (which has data center infrastructure in New Albany), have announced power generation contracts with nuclear power providers. None of these projects involve constructing a nuclear facility in our community.

Meta’s announcement relates to agreements that support existing nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania and the future development of advanced nuclear technology at locations outside of New Albany. Meta’s New Albany data center will draw power from the regional electric grid, and Meta pays the full cost of the energy it uses. 

Please review Meta’s nuclear power generation press release for more information.