QTS York County data center, York County, South Carolina

QTS is building a data center campus near Hands Mill Highway and Campbell Road by Lake Wylie in unincorporated York County. The company says its approved plan has nine buildings across three phases, starting with four buildings on about 109 acres. QTS expects to begin construction on the second phase in early 2027.

Neighbors have described blasting, early morning construction noise and bright lights near their homes, and a resident petition had nearly 800 signatures by February 2026. QTS says it is considering staggered work shifts to reduce traffic on Hands Mill Highway. The company says the buildings will use air-cooled, closed-loop cooling after an initial water fill and that it does not plan to drill wells at the site.

York County Council voted 6-0 in July to pause new data center approvals for nine months in unincorporated areas. Previously approved site plans are exempt only within their approved scope and subject to existing conditions. QTS says its current nine buildings are approved, while any expansion would require a new review. County staff are studying noise, water and power use before recommending zoning changes. The pause runs into April 2027 unless council extends it.