Ohio EPA Proposes Allowing Data Centers to Dump Wastewater into Rivers

Critics raise concerns over environmental impact and costs to taxpayers

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft permit that would allow data centers across the state to release untreated wastewater and stormwater directly into rivers and streams. Residents are voicing concerns about the potential environmental and public health consequences, as well as the financial burden that could fall on Ohio taxpayers.

Why it matters

Data centers are a growing industry in Ohio, with nearly 200 facilities currently operating and more planned. The proposed permit would enable these data centers to discharge pollutants and other potentially harmful substances directly into the state's waterways, raising fears about the long-term impact on the environment and human health. There are also concerns that the public will end up footing the bill for any necessary cleanup or monitoring efforts.

The details

The draft permit would apply to all current and future data centers in Ohio, allowing them to release untreated wastewater and stormwater into rivers and streams. The Ohio EPA claims this is necessary to 'accommodate important social and economic development' in the state, but critics argue the environmental risks outweigh the potential benefits, which are primarily short-term construction jobs rather than permanent positions.

  • The Ohio EPA released the draft permit on February 27, 2026.

The players

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

The state agency responsible for regulating environmental protection and enforcement in Ohio.

John Scholl

A resident who expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed permit.

Amy Swank

A Dublin, Ohio resident who raised questions about the potential health and financial implications of the permit.

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What they’re saying

“The EPA is supposed to be protecting the environment; it's in the title. And this draft essentially just makes it clear that they understand that the data centers themselves are going to be releasing pollutants.”

— John Scholl, Resident (WCMH)

“I think that there are real questions about what is in the water that comes out of data centers. When that water leaves, you know, what further chemicals does it contain? What microplastics does it contain? Are our wastewater treatment plants able to address those? Those are real concerns.”

— Amy Swank, Resident (WCMH)

What’s next

The Ohio EPA is currently accepting public comments on the proposed permit, and a final decision is expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This permit proposal highlights the tension between economic development and environmental protection, as well as the potential public health and financial implications of allowing data centers to discharge untreated wastewater into Ohio's rivers and streams. The outcome of this decision could set an important precedent for how the state balances these competing priorities.