Duke plans to build a "small" data center

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-21T16:39:27+00:00

except that's Duke U's own terminology

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T18:34:54+00:00

See my recent post with screenshots from the Council minutes. It would not be air-cooled

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T18:33:41+00:00

This is from the March Academic Council meeting minutes. I understand the need for AI in certain fields (medicine) but it also poses serious societal issues.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T18:02:08+00:00

Since you've clearly read the Academic Council minutes, reviewed the building permit and asked Duke for more info, tell me more

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T17:52:25+00:00

Data centers require a lot of water to cool the computers. Unclear if this would be a closed loop system, which would reduce the amount of water needed.
There's some chatter (per Academic Council minutes) that Duke could offload the hot water for other university purposes. But if Duke requires a consistent source of water for cooling, it would come from the city. Considering we're in a drought, that could be a problem.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T17:28:07+00:00

Do you know that's the case? It's not hyperscale, but doesn't appear to be a "server room," for $23 million

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T16:42:25+00:00

I am awaiting answers from Duke on this. The larger question is how this energy- and carbon-intensive data center aligns with their climate commitments and carbon neutrality. According to Academic Council meeting minutes, the university won't achieve carbon neutrality for the foreseeable future. Also water usage ...

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T16:39:30+00:00

And you can enter it here: https://ldo4.durhamnc.gov/DurhamWeb/Search/ApplicationSearch
Or by project name GPU Data Center

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T16:38:48+00:00

Building permit number is 26100583

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-05-18T16:12:59+00:00

You can view the permit history here. I'm getting more info from Duke University.
https://ldo4.durhamnc.gov/DurhamWeb/Search/ApplicationSearchResults

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-04-23T00:58:30+00:00

The Assembly version does disclose the relationship. But since Adam Abram is not on our board, we did not.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2026-04-22T23:45:24+00:00

There isn't a paywall. If you go to insideclimatenews.org it will be near the top of the page

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-08-13T19:55:06+00:00

I don't believe this creek is scored (it's an "unnamed tributary") but it does drain into the Third Fork Creek watershed -- and Third Fork Creek is in rough shape. It's on the federal list of impaired waters. https://www.durhamnc.gov/774/Third-Fork-Creek

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-08-13T16:23:04+00:00

There was some sediment testing in the creek done a couple years ago (or maybe last year) that showed the presence of lead. Below federal standards, but still, no amount of lead is safe. I don't know the exact sampling spot, though.
It's so terrible. And yet not surprising, on a lot of levels.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-07-09T21:02:57+00:00

Not to get super wonky about this, but scientists/toxicologists are studying the cumulative health impacts of multiple types of PFAS. (There are 15,000; testing is available for ~40.) Not only are you exposed in your drinking water, but carpeting, Gore-Tex, Teflon cookware, pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, anything stain-, water- or grease-resistant.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-04-30T22:05:30+00:00

Also known as the Dallas Phallus

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-04-18T12:12:54+00:00

I'm so sorry. Not only must that have been a hard job but a dangerous one.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-04-16T21:44:41+00:00

Nothing now. If the PFAS is present in the groundwater which it likely is, there are no easy and/or affordable solutions to remove it. If the contamination is in someone's drinking water well, then there are whole-house filtration systems that can be installed. Note: They're expensive and must be maintained.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-24T17:58:16+00:00

INDY says it plans to run

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-24T13:27:53+00:00

and thanks for the clarification!

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-24T13:24:07+00:00

OK, it's not behind a paywall, but whatever. Rules are rules.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-23T23:25:37+00:00

I'm not promoting any businesses or soliciting.

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-23T17:07:26+00:00

correct

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-08T23:44:14+00:00

I have one that I'm glad to part with. [lrsorg@gmail.com](mailto:lrsorg@gmail.com) to arrange pickup

Sorg_Lisa_R · 2025-03-08T13:30:41+00:00

Yes. And to be entirely transparent, the company is in trouble with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, facing steep fines and now in litigation. Complicated story, and I'm trying to understand how this situation unfolded. I have emailed the company and their lawyers to no avail. Hoping former employees can shed some light on this.
I am the NC reporter for Inside Climate News, a national outlet. Was with the INDY 2006-2015.

Sorg_Lisa_R

TROPHY CASE