The idea of regulating nuclear energy facilities and data center has died for now before the Dekalb County Commission.
Mayor Matt Adcock and the Commission shared concerns about the ability of the county to support nuclear energy facilities and data centers, as they require a water source. Commissioner Mathias Anderson asked if they were aware of any water source that could support a nuclear reactor. Commissioner Jack Barton said these facilities will require a hefty supply of water, giving the city a larger responsibility.
“And the thing about it is the Core already has restrictions of who can pump directly from the lake,” Barton said. “If this comes, it’s going to be taping directly into either the city’s or DUD’s water source, which comes from the lake. But I mean, they’re not going to pump directly from the lake.”
Adcock said he was most concerned about the power requirements of such a data center, but the water question posed another question.
“I don’t know anything about nuclear reactors,” Adcock said.
Barton said a Crossville water plant almost came to town some years ago, wanting to place pipe on the lake to pull water to the people of Crossville. Baton said a local company took the place of the plant, keeping resources within the community.
“Keeping water resources near and dear to our community here locally was important,” Barton said. “But that all played out of course, but I just wanted to clarify that they’ll be pulling water from our utilities one way or the other, I imagine the county.”
Adcock asks Commissioners if they would like to entertain a motion, prompting a moment of silence before the resolution died.