McCormick County Council took an encouraging step toward a more deliberate and informed approach to data-center development during its October 20 meeting.
Rather than granting final approval to two significant measures, Council considered amendments to its proposed Data Center and Emerging Technology Ordinance, returned that ordinance to the Planning Commission for further review, and tabled an additional rezoning proposal.
McCormick First recognizes these actions as a step in the right direction. They create an opportunity to improve the County’s protections before decisions with potentially long-lasting consequences are finalized.
Ordinance 26-06: Additional Protections Considered
Ordinance 26-06 would establish requirements governing the location, development, and operation of data centers and emerging technology projects in McCormick County.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Council considered several amendments intended to strengthen the proposed ordinance. These included:
- Independent technical review: Third-party inspections, testing, reviews, and studies, with associated costs paid by the applicant.
- Water protections: Additional provisions concerning groundwater wells and water consumption.
- Environmental and community safeguards: Consideration of wildlife, protected species, neighboring properties, existing infrastructure, and site-specific conditions.
- Compliance and enforcement: Additional measures addressing repeated or continuing violations and the County’s ability to require corrective action.
Several amendments reportedly passed, although the precise language and individual vote results remain subject to confirmation through the revised ordinance and official Council record.
Most importantly, Council postponed final approval and referred Ordinance 26-06 back to the Planning Commission for additional consideration. The ordinance has not received final approval.
A Call to Consider the Gibson/McCravy Proposal
Throughout the meeting, residents continued to encourage stronger and more comprehensive protections.
Among them was Tamala White, who made a thoughtful appeal for Council to consider adopting the proposed data-center protection language developed through the efforts of South Carolina Representatives Daniel Gibson and John McCravy.
Her comments highlighted an opportunity to evaluate the proposed state framework as a foundation for McCormick County’s ordinance, alongside amendments to the existing draft.
McCormick First supports a serious review of the Gibson/McCravy proposal and the incorporation of appropriate, legally enforceable protections into the County’s final ordinance.
The state proposal is not enacted law. Its provisions must be evaluated for legal applicability, local implementation, and consistency with McCormick County’s needs.
We believe this additional review is worthwhile and should involve the Planning Commission, County officials, legal counsel, and qualified independent technical experts.
Review the proposed state legislation and County ordinances →
Ordinance 26-08: Additional Rezoning Tabled
Council also tabled Ordinance 26-08, which proposes rezoning three properties from Forest Agriculture to Service/Industrial.
This action postpones final consideration of the proposed zoning changes. It does not permanently reject the rezoning request.
McCormick First has repeatedly expressed concerns about advancing additional industrial rezoning while the County’s data-center regulatory framework remains under development. Council’s decision provides an opportunity to better align future land-use decisions with the protections and review procedures ultimately established.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure: An Important Presentation
Earlier in the meeting, representatives of the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority and its consulting team presented findings from an assessment of McCormick County’s water and sewer systems.
The presentation identified areas requiring continued attention, including aging infrastructure, incomplete system records, water-quality and pressure concerns, sewer reliability, and long-term capital planning.
Recommendations included improved digital mapping, monitoring, asset management, engineering evaluations, and financial planning.
These findings do not establish whether any specific future development can or cannot be accommodated. They reinforce the need for careful engineering review of any project that could place significant additional demands on public infrastructure.
Existing residents and utility customers should not be left responsible for infrastructure costs attributable to future private development.
Additional Council Meeting Highlights
The meeting also included recognition of McCormick County Sheriff’s Office personnel who responded to a fatal drowning near Thurmond Dam. Their efforts under dangerous conditions serve as a reminder of the dedication and risks faced by local first responders.
Council also heard recognition of long-standing service to South Carolina aviation and discussion of investments supporting McCormick County’s airport. We appreciate these individuals and the continued efforts to improve the County’s public services and infrastructure.
What Happens Next?
The Planning Commission is expected to review the proposed amendments to Ordinance 26-06 before the matter returns to County Council.
Several important questions remain, including the final wording of the amendments, the scope of independent technical review, water-use protections, enforcement authority, and opportunities for public participation when individual projects are proposed.
McCormick First will continue following these developments and sharing source documents as they become available.
McCormick First’s Perspective
We appreciate Council’s willingness to consider amendments, seek additional review, and delay final decisions on both Ordinance 26-06 and Ordinance 26-08.
Residents have invested considerable time in researching these issues, attending meetings, and identifying possible improvements. Tuesday’s decisions demonstrate the value of continued public participation.
McCormick County should recognize its value and approach potential economic development from a position of strength.
We do not have to choose between welcoming investment and protecting the character, resources, and future of our community. The right standards, established through a transparent and informed process, can help accomplish both.
Tuesday’s meeting was not the conclusion of this discussion. It was an encouraging step toward getting the framework right.
Editor’s note: This update reflects the October 20 meeting account and information reported to McCormick First. Exact amendment language, individual votes, and procedural details will be updated as official records and the revised ordinance become available.