Even though we understand that, when built, Millstone met specifications as to be “Earthquake proof” , we question whether it can sustain tremors of blasting for new construction in 2023. One proposed data center building is over 1,137,160 square feet, a huge footprint that will be built on an old quarry with lots of rock. I shouldn’t think the State would want to chance having cracks appear in a nuclear plant foundation or its storage units. Additionally, our property abutting Millstone, having been built in 1936, is NOT earthquake proof, thus causing us some personal concerns.
Water runoff – Most of the properties on Millstone Road West have high water tables. We cannot even mow the lawn in our back yard until mid-June because of the runoff we get from Dominion property. We have 2 sump pumps in our basement to help curtail the water. We are definitely concerned that more construction is going to increase this problem.
Noise – after researching information on different websites, we discovered that all levels of noise from data centers cannot be contained. Also, prominent sites indicate there are many health concerns related to noise, even from a low constant humming: anxiety, sleeplessness, heart problems. Noise levels from these centers can range from 92 to 130 decibels, and will definitely impact the quality of life in the area. What will this do to our health, and to the health and well being of our pets, and local wild and bird life since their hearing is even more acute than humans. I am also a “water paddler” using a kayak and not a motorized water boat; why upset the natural solitude of being able to peacefully kayak in Jordan Cove, Niantic Bay, or the Niantic River.
Environment – Cooling waters – where will the required cooling waters from this system be released? Hopefully, not the Niantic Bay or Sound which are both already closely monitored for warm temps put out by the nuclear plant. Also, there will be a huge impact with removed trees and more carbonization, that will forever impact natural habitat for the many types of wildlife living on Dominion property. Also, according to the internet, emissions from Data Centers already account for 2% of all pollution in the United States, whereas pollution from fossil fuel plants, including refineries, emit 3.6% of the total pollution in the US. Fossil fuel plants greatly outnumber the data centers so data centers will soon surpass the amount of pollutants. We do not need this in the southeastern portion of this beautiful State.
EMFs – has anyone researched the long term effects of being exposed to huge amounts of electrical current?. I know there are many power lines exiting Dominion, but we are fortunate on our street to be a little removed from the main lines leaving Dominion. However, to have one of the buildings planned on this side or Dominion property, in such close proximity to us (less than a quarter mile) is disturbing.
Property values in this area will sadly decrease, hurting not only us personally for resale value, but in lowered town and State tax incomes.
Why are the town and State considering working with a company that has a huge lawsuit against them? What do others know that our town and the State both don’t seem to care about?