Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
MDEQ ⟩ About MDEQ ⟩ Data Center Information and Resources

Data Center Information and Resources

Data centers are physical networks of computer processors and related infrastructure that support digital services such as cloud storage, end-user connectivity and artificial intelligence computing. Data centers have attracted significant public attention, including questions about water use, air quality and other potential impacts to surrounding communities. Oversight of data center development and operation involves local governments, utilities and state and federal agencies, each with specific and varying responsibilities. 

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) administers environmental programs with requirements that may apply to data center construction and operation. Depending on a facility’s design and activities, these may include requirements for air emissions, surface water and groundwater withdrawals, wastewater discharge, stormwater management and water quality certification. Site selection, zoning, traffic, noise and utility rates fall outside MDEQ’s authority and are addressed through other applicable local government, utility or regulatory processes. 

This webpage explains what data centers are, describes MDEQ’s environmental responsibilities, as well as those matters that fall outside the agency’s authority. It also provides resources to help interested individuals understand permitting requirements, find opportunities for public participation and report environmental concerns. 

MDEQ’s Role

MDEQ administers environmental programs with requirements that may apply to data center construction and operation. Depending on the facility’s design and activities, these requirements may include air emissions, surface water and groundwater withdrawals, wastewater, stormwater and water quality certifications. MDEQ reviews applicable permit applications, establishes permit requirements, evaluates compliance and takes enforcement action when warranted. 

What MDEQ regulates:  

Air emissions: Applicable requirements for stationary generators, turbines and other regulated emission sources. 

Water withdrawals: Surface water and groundwater use, including evaluation of potential effects on existing and future public water supplies. 

Wastewater: Applicable requirements for wastewater treatment and discharge. 

Stormwater and water quality: Applicable requirements for construction runoff and activities requiring water quality certification. 

 Matters outside MDEQ’s authority: 

 Zoning and site selection: Contact the local city or county government. 

Noise and construction traffic: Contact the local city or county government. 

Utility rates: Contact the utility provider, local government or Mississippi Public Service Commission, as applicable. 

Drinking water system oversight:  Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health or local utility, as applicable. 

Environmental Permitting in Mississippi

Depending on the proposed facility and its operations, data center projects may require environmental permits or approvals related to air emissions, water withdrawal, wastewater discharge, stormwater and water quality. 

Water Use

MDEQ regulates the use of surface water and groundwater in Mississippi. Depending on the source and method of withdrawal, proposed withdrawals may require a permit. 

MDEQ encourages consideration of alternative water sources and water-conservation practices, including treated wastewater, lower-quality water sources when appropriate, recycling and closed-loop cooling systems. 

Air Permitting

Data centers that install stationary air emission sources, including emergency generators or other onsite power-generation equipment, may require air construction and operating permits from MDEQ. 

Stormwater and Water Quality

Construction activities may require stormwater permit coverage. Projects involving federal Clean Water Act Section 404 permits may also require Section 401 Water Quality Certification from MDEQ. 

Wastewater

Wastewater generated by a data center may require a pretreatment, a permit under the Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), State Operating Permit or other applicable authorization depending on how the wastewater is managed or discharged. 

Public Participation

Members of the public may review and comment on proposed environmental permitting actions when public notice is required. Each notice identifies the proposed action, explains how to review available documents and provides instructions and deadlines for submitting comments or requesting a hearing, when applicable. You can view MDEQ public notices and scheduled hearings and sign up to receive Environmental Permits Division public notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a data center?

Data centers are physical networks of computer processors and related 
infrastructure that support digital services such as cloud storage, 
end-user connectivity and artificial intelligence computing. 

Does MDEQ decide where data centers are located?

No. MDEQ does not review preliminary project proposals, select sites or 
make local zoning decisions. Those matters generally fall under the 
authority of local governments. 

How much water does a data center use?

Water demand can vary significantly depending on the size and design of 
the facility, cooling technology, operational practices, onsite power 
generation and available water sources. 

How does MDEQ protect local water supplies?

MDEQ reviews proposed water withdrawals and monitors water use and water 
levels. Public water supply is given priority, and industrial users may 
be required to evaluate alternative water sources. 

Do data centers affect air quality?

Data center computing operations generally produce minimal direct air 
emissions when electricity is supplied from off-site, such as from the electric grid. 
Facilities with onsite generators, turbines or other stationary emission 
sources may require MDEQ air permits and associated emissions monitoring 
and reporting. 

How can the public participate in the environmental permitting process?

Depending on the type of permit, MDEQ provides public notice and
opportunities for public comment. Certain permitting actions may also
include opportunities to request a public hearing.

How can environmental concerns about a facility be reported?

Environmental concerns may be reported to the MDEQ Complaint Hotline at 
1-888-786-0661. 

MDEQ Data Center Resources

Professional and Technical Resources

 

Federal Government Resources

ENERGY STAR

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Congressional Research Service

U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Energy Information Administration

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Resources

Resources from Other States

Information from other states may provide useful context regarding data center environmental permitting, water use, air emissions and monitoring. Regulatory requirements and environmental conditions vary by state, so these resources should not be interpreted as Mississippi requirements.

 

 

Important Information

Information on this page is intended as a general resource and should not be considered a complete description of all environmental requirements that may apply to a particular project. Requirements vary depending on facility design, location, operations and applicable state and federal regulations. 

Applicants should contact MDEQ early in the project-development process to discuss applicable permitting requirements. 

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