SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. – The $2.8 billion Valara Computing Center, now under construction in Spartanburg County, has drawn sharp scrutiny from environmental groups who fear the project could become one of the region’s largest sources of harmful air pollution once operational.

On Aug. 18, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), on behalf of the Sierra Club Upstate, submitted a letter to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. The letter raises concerns that the draft air permit for the facility on South Pine Street sets pollutant limits that are “not practically enforceable.”

“This facility will become one of Spartanburg County’s largest emitters of particularly dangerous air pollutants and will produce a far greater amount of pollution than the industrial facility that previously occupied this site,” the letter states. “The operation of this facility under this permit will be a big step backwards for air pollution in Spartanburg County and particularly for the already impacted neighborhoods that are near this proposed polluter.”

In response, the investment group behind the project, NorthMark Strategies Group, defended the facility, stressing that it has been designed with community and environmental safeguards in mind.

“Our facility is designed to meet or exceed all regulatory standards and to minimize strain on local resources. We will have testing and controls in place to ensure we remain in compliance. We are working closely with regulators, local business leaders, and local officials to ensure we are a good neighbor, leave the site cleaner than we found it, and remain a long-term boon to the Spartanburg community,” the company said in a statement.

The Valara Data Center represents one of the largest private business investments in South Carolina’s history, first announced in February. NorthMark Strategies said the project includes on-site self-generation of the massive power supply required for its operations—an approach intended to reduce reliance on local utility infrastructure.

When fully operational, expected in 2026, the facility will house advanced computing systems and support industries ranging from cloud storage and data processing to artificial intelligence and financial services. Supporters argue that the project will bring hundreds of jobs, long-term tax revenue, and new economic activity to Spartanburg County.

Yet, critics caution that economic growth should not come at the expense of environmental and community health. Residents near the site have voiced concerns that emissions from the facility could worsen air quality in neighborhoods already burdened by industrial activity.

Environmental advocates are urging regulators to strengthen permit enforcement before final approvals are granted. “We’re asking for accountability,” said a Sierra Club representative. “Communities deserve both economic development and clean air.”

Meanwhile, local leaders continue weighing the economic promise against environmental risks. For NorthMark Strategies, the challenge will be balancing compliance, transparency, and community trust as the project progresses toward its 2026 launch.

Originally reported by Amanda Shaw in Fox Carolina.