A massive industrial development is being proposed for one of South Carolina’s most rural, natural, and historic areas. We must speak up before it’s too late.

Developers have requested a special exception to rezone over 850 acres of land in Colleton County to build nine data centers and two substations. This land, located off Cooks Hill Road, is currently zoned for rural development. It is home to wetlands, wildlife, forest, and even historic gravesites dating back to the 1800s.

If this project moves forward, it would forever change the landscape, the environment, and the way of life for nearby residents.

People who live in this area did not choose to live next to an industrial park. They chose peace, nature, and community. They are now being asked to give that up for a project that brings noise, construction, water stress, and irreversible environmental harm.

Data centers are known for enormous water and energy usage, yet the public still has no clear information about how much water this project will consume. State Senator Chip Campsen has publicly stated that data centers have resisted efforts to disclose their usage, calling it a threat to other water users.

If approved, this complex could also undermine the nearby ACE Basin, one of the most biologically rich and culturally significant natural areas in the southeastern United States.

We are calling on the Colleton County Board of Appeals to:

• Reject Special Exception Case No. SE-2025-139
• Protect land zoned for rural development from large-scale industrial construction
• Preserve the wetlands, wildlife, and rural community character of Colleton County

This land is not the right place for data centers. Let’s protect what makes South Carolina special before it disappears.

Sign this petition to stop the Colleton County data center proposal and help protect rural land for future generations.

[Redacted]