OABA Urges Ohio EPA to Require Individual Water Permits for Data Centers

OABA submitted comments to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency opposing a proposed general NPDES permit that would authorize data centers under a single statewide framework.

In its comments, OABA noted that Ohio agribusinesses are routinely required to obtain individual NPDES permits that reflect site-specific conditions, local water quality concerns, and opportunities for public input. Allowing data centers to operate under a general permit raises concerns about regulatory consistency, transparency, and the potential impacts on agricultural watersheds that rely on surface and groundwater resources.

OABA urged Ohio EPA to withdraw the proposed general permit and instead require individual permits for data centers to ensure equitable regulatory oversight, protect agricultural water users, and align with Ohio's ongoing water quality and nutrient reduction goals.

To read the full letter, click here.