The Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia encompasses nearly a million acres of natural attractions, including ski slopes, dark skies designated for astronomy, and small gateway communities. The region has become increasingly popular with visitors seeking outdoor recreation and stargazing opportunities, particularly at locations like Spruce Knob, which offers some of the darkest skies remaining in the Eastern United States.
A proposal for the Ridgeline data center project, developed by Fundamental Data LLC, would construct a roughly 785-megawatt generating facility on a reclaimed coal-mining site. The complex would initially occupy 291 acres but could eventually expand to 10,000 acres spanning both Tucker and Grant counties. The facility would operate on natural gas with diesel backup fuel and generate power on-site rather than drawing from the regional electrical grid.
Local residents and business operators express concern that the industrial development would damage the region’s environmental recovery and tourism-based economy. An analysis by the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club found that the facility’s initial footprint could increase sky glow near Blackwater Falls State Park by 528 percent, potentially compromising its pursuit of official dark-sky certification. Company officials indicate that safety and security lighting requirements for 24-hour operations take precedence over light pollution concerns, though they state lighting will be designed to minimize sky glow effects.
The proposal reflects a broader tension between economic development priorities and conservation interests. West Virginia has designated economic development as a top priority, and the project promises infrastructure investment in an area historically dependent on extractive industries. However, local outdoor recreation businesses and community leaders argue the region’s recent recovery and reputation as a destination for tourism and outdoor activities could be undermined by large-scale industrial development.
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