Settlement bans data center development in most of Colleton County’s ACE Basin areas

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Southern Environmental Law Center has reached an agreement with Colleton County to resolve a lawsuit filed in January on behalf of two landowners, Jennifer Singleton and Miles Crosby. That lawsuit challenged changes to the county zoning code that allowed data centers in rural areas of Colleton County, including within the iconic ACE Basin. 

With this agreement, Colleton County has agreed to establish a “Data Center Exclusion Area” that prohibits data centers across the majority of the ACE Basin in Colleton County, including some of the most ecologically sensitive areas along the three major rivers that form the basin: the Ashepoo, the Combahee, and the Edisto. Significantly, the “Data Center Exclusion Area” includes the 850-acre parcel on the headwaters of the Ashepoo River where the original Eagle Rock data center complex was proposed in December 2025.

The ACE Basin is a 1.6-million-acre watershed declared “One of the Last Great Places on Earth.” Since the establishment of the ACE Basin Task Force in 1989, over 300,000 acres have been permanently protected in the basin, including over 70,000 acres of public land. The landscape is steeped in rich history and diverse Lowcountry culture. It also serves as prime habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, and endangered species.

“Thanks to the hard work and collaboration between Colleton County, Jennifer Singleton, Miles Crosby, and SELC staff, this agreement marks a significant victory for the ACE Basin and all South Carolinians who enjoy and appreciate the iconic forests, rivers, wetlands, and rural communities in this region. We also appreciate all the passion and advocacy from community members and environmental partners that made this possible. It’s a good reminder of how significant this area is to people, and how hard they will fight to protect it. We look forward to continuing to work with Colleton County leaders, residents and stakeholders to steward and celebrate the ACE Basin, maintain the ‘Data Center Exclusion Area,’ and help ensure that any data center projects in Colleton County and beyond are developed responsibly with respect to surrounding communities and natural resources.” – Chris DeScherer, SELC South Carolina Office Director

“I have lived in the ACE Basin my entire life, right here in Colleton County. My family has been here for generations. The original data center complex that was proposed would have surrounded my property on three sides and completely changed the area. I’m thankful we could reach an outcome that not only prevents data centers from surrounding my home but also protects the majority of the ACE Basin in Colleton County from data center development.” – Miles Crosby 

“It’s been a long and winding road to get here, but I’m thrilled we were able to reach a compromise that establishes a “Data Center Exclusion Area” in Colleton County. The ACE Basin is a treasure we must all work together to care for. It’s one of the things that makes Colleton County special, something we should all be proud of. I’m thankful to be a part of it.” – Jennifer Singleton