MCD Submits Comments on Draft Data Center Discharge Permit to Protect Water

Dayton, OH – January 27, 2026 – The Miami Conservancy District (MCD) submitted comments to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) regarding a proposed “general” permit for wastewater discharges from data centers. The comments emphasized that protecting both surface water and groundwater in the Great Miami River Watershed is critical for community health, recreation, and long-term water sustainability.

“Data centers are important to Ohio’s economy, but their wastewater can affect our rivers, streams, and aquifers,” said MIke EKberg, Manager of Data and Analysis of MCD. “We want to make sure any new permits safeguard water quality for people, wildlife, and communities that rely on these resources.”

Key concerns raised by MCD include:

• Protecting Groundwater and Aquifers: MCD urged OEPA to evaluate how data center discharges could impact sensitive recharge areas and high-yield aquifers connected to surface waters.
• Addressing Variability in Cooling Systems: Different data centers use diverse cooling methods, which can create highly variable wastewater. MCD questioned whether a “one-size-fits-all” permit can properly manage these differences, particularly when multiple facilities discharge into the same watershed.
• Safeguarding High-Quality Waters: Several rivers and streams in the Great Miami River Watershed have rare and ecologically significant designations. MCD requested that these high-quality waters be excluded from general permit coverage to prevent ecological harm.
• Monitoring Contaminants and Temperature: MCD recommended strong monitoring requirements for chloride, nitrate, phosphorus, sodium, and other emerging contaminants. They also highlighted the need for temperature limits to protect aquatic life from thermal stress.

MCD reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of Ohio’s waters and looks forward to working with OEPA to ensure that new permits protect the water resources of the Great Miami River Watershed for generations to come.

For more information about MCD’s efforts to protect water resources, visit https://www.mcdwater.org/about-mcd/preserving-water-resources