A proposal to build a 161,000-square-foot data center near the Appalachian National Scenic Trail has been abandoned by AT&T/Appalachian Trail Conservancy

After expressions of strong concern from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, other members of the Blue Ridge Conservation Alliance, the National Park Service and, most importantly, a groundswell of support from the people of Loudoun County, Virginia, AT&T has abandoned its application to develop a two-story, 161,000-square-foot facility atop Short Hill Mountain.

The proposed location is very close to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Trail Conservancy had strongly objected to the project. "This is a major win for all who treasure the Appalachian Trail and the preservation of the trail corridor and surrounding viewshed," said Trail Conservancy President Ron Tipton.

Earlier this month the Trail Conservancy warned that, "The proposed 161,000-square-foot facility, which would replace the current underground communication station, is to be constructed at a height of 35 feet at the top of Short Hill Mountain, just two miles east of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This new facility will produce a four-acre scar on the landscape and will be visible from the A.T. and the adjacent Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The structure will have night lighting that increases and exacerbates its visual impact, and will also affect the habitat of the Cerulean Warbler and other migratory birds. Additionally, significant noise pollution will be produced from the facility’s back-up generators, which will require frequent testing."

In announcing his company's decision to abandon the project, AT&T Principal Technical Architect Scott Rushin said, “The facility is a vital part of our global telecommunications network. The upgrades would have provided Loudoun County businesses and residents additional opportunities to receive a wide variety of services such as Wi-Fi, entertainment, high speed internet and, eventually, enhanced wireless broadband services. And, contrary to speculation, the site is not a data center and our planned upgrade would not have converted it into one.”