Ohio data center compliance guide: federal, state and local requirements

Soils and undermined ground

Much of eastern, northeastern and southeastern Ohio sits over abandoned underground coal and clay mines, and ODNR’s mine maps don’t show every one. Heavy equipment rooms and generator yards need foundations designed for what’s actually below.

You'll need: geotechnical data, a check of ODNR’s abandoned mine maps and early testing to confirm the design assumptions

• ATSMaterials testing→

Environmental history

Lenders and buyers will expect a Phase I environmental site assessment before acquisition, and a Phase II if it flags concerns. Brownfield sites can qualify for HB 15 priority investment areas for on-site generation.

You'll need: an ASTM-based Phase I in the diligence file

• SGSEnvironmental site assessments→ (opens in a new tab)

Zoning and moratoria

More than 100 Ohio cities, villages and townships have paused or banned data centers, and a township can adopt a moratorium quickly while it rewrites its code.

You'll need: written confirmation from the city, village or township that no moratorium or pending zoning change affects the parcel

Power and water capacity

In AEP Ohio territory you’ll sign a long-term contract that bills at least 85% of contracted demand, and almost every Ohio data center buys water from a public system rather than pumping its own.

You'll need: a utility capacity letter, the applicable tariff terms and a will-serve letter from the water and sewer provider

Special inspections

The Ohio Building Code requires owner-retained special inspections of structural concrete, steel, welding and fireproofing, reported to a building department certified by the Board of Building Standards.

You'll need: an approved special inspection agency, a statement of special inspections and daily reports the building official will accept

• ATSInspection services→
• ATSConcrete testing→

Welds and structural connections

Structural steel, pipe supports and generator skids need weld inspection and nondestructive testing before they’re covered up.

• ATSNDT services→

Construction stormwater

Disturbing an acre or more needs coverage under Ohio EPA’s construction stormwater general permit and a working SWPPP filed before you break ground.

You'll need: a SWPPP, a Notice of Intent and documented inspections throughout the build

Generators and fuel

Backup generator fleets need an Ohio EPA air permit-to-install, and large campuses have drawn public meetings and comment periods. Underground fuel tanks also need State Fire Marshal (BUSTR) permits and certified installers.

You'll need: generator specifications, run-hour limits and tank documentation ready to file

• ATSGenerator services→

Commissioning before energization

Under AEP Ohio’s data center tariff, minimum demand charges follow your contract’s ramp schedule whether or not you’re running, so a late energization costs real money.

You'll need: commissioning records and integrated systems test results showing the systems perform as designed

• ATSCommissioning support→

Electrical maintenance

NFPA 70B is now an enforceable standard with required maintenance intervals and condition assessments for electrical equipment. Insurers and AHJs increasingly ask for the records.

• ATSElectrical infrared thermography→
• ATSCondition monitoring→

Backup power and air limits

NFPA 110 calls for regular generator exercise and load testing, and your Ohio EPA air permit caps how many hours those generators can run.

You'll need: run-hour logs and test records that match your permit limits

• ATSGenerator services→

Cooling and mechanical reliability

Pumps, chillers and CRAH fans fail gradually, and the warning signs show up in vibration data first.

• ATSPredictive maintenance→
• ATSPump vibration analysis→

Monitoring you can trust

Environmental and power sensors drive alarms, PUE and the water-use figures that Ohio lawmakers and your water provider are now asking for. Uncalibrated sensors produce numbers you can’t defend.

• ATSSensor calibration→
• ATSCalibration services→

Tank closure

Removing or closing an underground fuel tank requires a closure assessment under BUSTR rules, with a written report to the State Fire Marshal within 90 days of sampling.

You'll need: inspection and sampling before the tanks come out

Batteries and hazardous materials

UPS and battery energy storage systems need proper removal, handling and recycling records, as do any EPCRA-reportable chemicals on site.

Exit assessment

A post-operations environmental assessment protects the seller and the next owner. If cleanup is needed, Ohio EPA’s Voluntary Action Program can end in a covenant not to sue.

• SGSEnvironmental site assessments→ (opens in a new tab)
• SGSTechnical due diligence→ (opens in a new tab)