Carroll County Examines Industrial Water Impact

BERRYVILLE, AR. - The Carroll County committee investigating potential industrial and high-impact projects convened on Thursday. The panel was established to determine necessary regulations and permits to ensure projects do not proceed without county oversight or create unnecessary burdens on infrastructure and residents.

During the meeting, JP Jack Deaton stepped down from the committee, with JP Hunter Rivett appointed as his replacement. The remaining committee members include JPs Gary Capsik, Harrie Farrow, Matt Phillips, and Bobby James.

Throughout previous sessions, the group has struggled to design effective regulations to prevent harmful developments. Proposals include limiting noise and regulating water and electricity usage. However, members remain cautious, noting the importance of avoiding rules that might hinder local business growth or create unintended consequences.

As industrial technology, including data centers, continues evolving, the committee is striving to craft future-proof regulations. On Thursday, they invited Barry Connell from the Carroll-Boone Water District to explain how data centers might affect local water supplies. Connell explained that because data centers vary in size and technology, he could not provide a definitive answer.

Some data centers use roughly 6,000 gallons of water daily, which Connell noted would be manageable. However, he urged officials to consider wastewater quality. Larger facilities consuming millions of gallons were compared to existing poultry operations. Additionally, the committee noted that certain county areas have infrastructure better suited for increased demand.

Moving forward, the committee plans to invite local electric utility representatives to discuss further impacts. Another challenge involves writing legally enforceable rules. Members discussed potentially hiring dedicated legal counsel - either part-time or full-time - to draft and review ordinances, noting the county prosecutor's limited availability due to court duties. This attorney would work under the county judge and assist the quorum court in creating stronger policies.

As the committee gathers information, it recognizes the complexity of the task, placing a rural county in the challenging position of needing broad expertise across multiple industries.

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