Camden
Camden, MS · Business
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Biloxi Sun Herald
Elon Musk company started Mississippi data center without permits, state alleges
Mississippi’s environmental regulators released details this week on a set of penalties against SpaceXAI for violating state water pollution laws by starting construction on its Southaven data center facilities without needed permits. The company first announced the potential fines to investors two weeks ago, speculating the amount could reach as much as $6.1 million. To limit pollution from construction reaching public bodies of water, state law requires companies to first obtain a permit. Without proper protections, rain, for instance, can carry debris and chemicals off construction sites and pollute natural habitats, drinking water systems and recreational areas, federal regulators warn . Earlier this year, SpaceXAI – through its subsidiary, MZX Tech LLC – asked the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for permits allowing construction within its growing Southaven footprint , which includes a power plant as well as land to build a $20 billion data center facility called MACROHARDRR. But during a July meeting between MDEQ and MZX Tech, “it became apparent” the company had already begun construction on the land in question, impacting about 30 acres, MDEQ records show. On July 16, a day after the meeting, MDEQ staff visited Southaven and confirmed the infractions. The agency sent two