Ohio EPA draft would let data centers discharge untreated wastewater into rivers
Mar 2nd 2026
A proposed statewide permit would let data centers discharge untreated circulating and stormwater to surface waters, citing economic development, while residents and advocates warn of pollution, health risks, and long term costs.
- Ohio EPA released a draft permit that would allow data centers to release untreated process water and stormwater directly into rivers and streams.
- The permit would cover all current and future data centers across Ohio.
- The draft says some lowering of water quality is necessary to accommodate social and economic development.
- There are about 200 data centers in Ohio and more projects are planned.
- Residents and local officials worry about pollutants, microplastics, human health risks, and whether treatment plants can handle the load.
- Critics note most jobs from data center projects are temporary construction roles while permanent staffing stays small.
- The Ohio EPA declined to comment but provided a fact sheet and the full proposed permit is publicly available.