Don’t sacrifice Swain’s future
To the Editor:
In a current notice, the Swain County Commissioners have asked for public input on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. concerning a moratorium on permitting of high-impact facilities, including but not limited to data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms and similar uses within the unincorporated areas of Swain County.
While I understand the importance of technological infrastructure, this specific type of high-impact industrial project is inconsistent with the natural beauty and character of our town and poses severe risks to our environment, resources, and quality of life.
My opposition is based on the following significant, long-term concerns:
Strain on local resources and utility bills: These facilities demand massive amounts of electricity and water for operations and cooling, often exceeding the capacity of small towns. The necessary upgrades to the power grid and water infrastructure are frequently passed on to local residents, leading to higher electricity rates.
Persistent noise pollution: Cryptocurrency mines and server farms produce non-stop, loud, low-frequency humming from industrial cooling fans. This noise can be heard for miles, creating a constant disturbance that lowers property values and affects the mental health of nearby residents.
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Environmental degradation and low employment: Unlike traditional development, these facilities provide very few permanent jobs to the local community. In exchange, they threaten our community with increased noise, light, and air pollution, along with potential water contamination and excessive electronic waste.
Our town should not be treated as a “sacrifice zone” for industrial, high-intensity technology projects. I urge you to support a moratorium on any such high-impact facilities in our community facilities and instead focus on development that aligns with the safety, health and rural character of our residents.
Mary K. Buranosky
Swain County
