By Tyler Cannon, WV Climate Alliance Coordinator
TransGas Development Systems’ proposed Adams Fork Energy ammonia plant in Mingo County is expanding its scope to include parts of Logan County.
Two Massive Permits, Two Locations, One Plan
On Tuesday, July 8, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) released two identical permits for public comment for TransGas Development Systems: the Adams Fork Harless Data Center Energy Campus, slated for 22 Mine Road above Elk Creek, Fivemile Creek, and Whitman Creek; and the Adams Fork Data Center Energy Campus, slated for the Twisted Gun Golf Course near Gilbert.
The only difference between these permits is their proposed location. If built as proposed, these projects would become tied for the state’s second-largest air pollutant emitters, second only to the John Amos coal-fired plant. The comment period runs through August 8, but WV DEP has not scheduled a public hearing for either permit.
Not Your Average Data Centers
These are not “ordinary” data centers. Each is accompanied by a large, gas-fired power plant operating on a microgrid, meaning they are entirely detached from public electric infrastructure. The public will bear the cost of living with air emissions, without any benefit to the public grid, and may face increased electric bills.
Where’s the Public Input?
TransGas publicly claims endorsement from Mingo County officials, as well as state and federal representatives, and that the community supports the construction of the data centers and the ammonia facility.
Were these official endorsements made in secret? That would be consistent with the development of these projects so far. What public event did TransGas hold to secure community support for these projects?
Further adding to the chaos of TransGas’ proposals, they also claim to intend to build an entire mixed-use “village” for data center staff. This portion of their proposal is unexpected, and no public explanation clarifies specific details.
Promises, Permits, and Nothing Built
Why would a company continue to expand its vision without anything built? TransGas has made three promises of economic prosperity in Mingo County over 17 years—yet it hasn’t built a single thing. The only tangible outcome is two permits from WV DEP, one of which sat unused for nearly 13 years before being voided by the second.
What will it take to see jobs and economic development that don’t threaten the integrity of our already stressed public health and environmental conditions?
The Path Forward: Organize and Demand Accountability
The answer is that we must organize ourselves, clarify our needs, and work together to pursue them. Getting clear on what we need means, in part, that we need to get clear on what the DEP and TransGas have in store.
Take Action: Demand Public Hearings
Insist that WV DEP hold two public hearings covering both of these facilities in both Gilbert and Logan!