We, the undersigned, are residents of Columbia County and the surrounding Central Southern Regional Augusta. 

Today we write to respectfully request that all progress regarding existing and future Columbia County Data Centers (White Oak/ Maddox Properties, Pumpkin Center, Byrd Farm, Greenpoint Planned Community) and the recently approved Quarry (January 6th, 2026) temporarily cease.

Currently, there is much to consider regarding the impact of the aforementioned projects on local residents, economic establishments and ecosystems. Many have voiced concerns such as the following:

I. Environmental Issues: 

Habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity
Deforestation and removal of vegetation
Deterrence and loss of pollinators 
Soil erosion and land degradation
Dust pollution affecting air quality and health
Water pollution 
Noise pollution
Vibration damage to nearby buildings and ecosystems
II. Public Health Concerns:

Respiratory problems from dust inhalation
Hearing damage from prolonged noise exposure
Stress and reduced quality of life for nearby residents (particularly children, elderly and those living with medical conditions) 
Risk of accidents involving heavy machinery and blasting
III. Infrastructure & Community Impact:

Increased truck traffic causing road damage
Traffic congestion and safety risks
Damage to local roads and bridges
Visual scarring of the landscape
Reduced property values in nearby areas
Disruption to agriculture and livestock

III. Safety & Operational Risks:

Blasting hazards (flyrock, ground vibration, air overpressure)
Slope instability and landslides
Equipment accidents and worker injuries
Flooding of quarry pits
Abandoned quarry hazards if not properly reclaimed
V. Economic & Social Issues:

Conflicts with local communities
Unequal economic benefits versus environmental costs
Long-term land usability issues after closure
Costly site reclamation requirements
Physical Data Centers becoming obsolete in favor of satellite and/or “cloud” systems
VI. Regulatory & Legal Issues:

Environmental permitting challenges
Non-compliance penalties and legal disputes
Zoning conflicts
Ongoing monitoring and reporting obligations
We acknowledge that some information has been released to the public, which opens up new questions as to whether or not the Data Centers and Quarry projects fall within safe parameters. We respectfully request that Columbia County (Board of Commissioners, Approving Officials and any/ all Land and Facility Developers) produce and enforce production of substantial evidence to ensure public safety regarding the concerns brought before you, both during public meetings and listed above, within 30 days and before any further movement on the projects in question. This information shall be released publicly and the location where it may be viewed be declared openly at the beginning of each current and future Public Meeting regarding any of the projects mentioned above. If Columbia County (Board of Commissioners, Approving Officials and any/ all Land and Facility Developers) is not able to produce and enforce production of such evidence within 30 days of this letter, we request that all Data Center projects and the new Quarry project come to an indefinite halt, or build in locations that do not impact established or planned residential communities, farms, schools, medical or residential facilities.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to receiving your prompt and detailed response.