Walker County is moving closer to establishing new regulations governing the construction and operation of large data centers, with a special study committee recommending tighter restrictions on backup generators, water use and financial protections for the county.

The Walker County Data Center Development Standards Study Committee completed an initial review of several proposed regulations during its fifth meeting on October 22.

According to an announcement from Walker County Government, committee members established stricter seasonal testing periods for emergency backup generators, strengthened requirements for financial bonds covering the eventual closure of facilities and reaffirmed their support for requiring closed-loop cooling systems.

Closed-loop cooling systems recirculate water rather than continuously drawing large quantities of fresh water for cooling. Committee members say the requirement would help protect local water supplies.

The proposed financial protections would require data center operators to provide bonds to cover the expense of dismantling facilities and restoring property if a development closes or is abandoned.

The committee has also examined noise restrictions, outdoor lighting, building construction standards and environmental protections.

Earlier discussions included a proposed 65-decibel noise limit, restrictions on exterior lighting and requirements for permanent buildings rather than temporary shipping-container-style facilities.

The work follows Walker County’s decision in August to establish a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications in unincorporated areas of the county. The temporary pause gives the county time to develop regulations before considering additional projects.

The 11-member study committee is working toward a December 4 deadline to submit recommendations to the Walker County Planning and Zoning Commission.

The recommendations are not yet county law. Any new regulations would require further consideration and action by the Walker County Board of Commissioners.

Data center development has become an increasingly important issue across Northwest Georgia as communities consider the potential effects of large computing facilities on electricity demand, water resources, noise and surrounding property.

The committee’s meetings are open to the public and are held at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring.