SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has responded to concerns about pollution surrounding a new Upstate computing center.
The Southern Environmental Law Center sent a letter to SCDES in August with concerns about the $2.8 billion Valara Data Center coming to Spartanburg County.
After a formal comment period, SCDES added algorithms to calculate the center’s monthly emissions and requires the facility to maintain records on the data. The center will also have to conduct formaldehyde testing.
“We were pleased to see that DES listened to our concerns and issued a revised permit that includes truly enforceable emissions limits,” said SELC Senior Attorney Emily Wyche. “This result is why SELC weighs in on permits before they’re finalized. Going forward, this emissions information will allow SELC, the Spartanburg community, and DES to monitor and hold Valara to their permit limits.”
The Valara center is expected to begin operations in 2026.
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