COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that it will not move forward with finalizing its proposed general permit for data centers under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
In a community notice dated July 21, the agency said the decision followed a review of a significant number of public comments submitted during the public comment period.
Ohio EPA emphasized that public participation played an important role in its decision-making process and said it carefully considered the feedback it received before deciding not to finalize the proposed permit.
Instead of adopting a statewide general permit, the agency said it will continue using the individual NPDES permit process for proposed data center projects.
According to the notice, individual permits are considered the most appropriate path forward at this time and will continue to require the same rigorous environmental standards and review process currently in place.
The announcement comes amid increased public attention surrounding proposed data center developments across Ohio, including projects that have prompted environmental and community concerns in several counties.
No additional changes to the state’s permitting process were announced.
