Dorchester County advances $152M WWTP expansion and water infrastructure for Google data center

Dorchester County advances $152M WWTP expansion and water infrastructure for Google data centerThe South Carolina county is pushing forward on major capacity upgrades and targeted utility extensions, including critical water and sewer lines to service a new data center development guaranteed by Google.

The Laurel-Dorchester Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion is nearly 76% complete, with $152.4 million expended and partial facility startups scheduled for August 2026.

The county is finalizing the Pecan Tree site extension, featuring 30-inch water lines installed via jack and bore, to provide water and sewer services to a new data center.

Council approved an agreement with Norfolk Southern and Gannett Enterprises, guaranteed by Google LLC, to facilitate rail crossing improvements tied to the Pecan Tree infrastructure.

A $2.94 million contract was awarded to R.H. Moore for the Pump Station 10 force main replacement, while a $6.2 million contract is underway for Phase 2 of the regional water lines.

Dorchester County, South Carolina, is executing a broad portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects to accommodate rapid regional development and high-profile industrial users. During a July 20, 2026, meeting, the Director of Water and Sewer reported that the Laurel-Dorchester Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion is progressing on schedule. The project is approximately 75.8% complete, with $152.4 million paid to date. Work is currently focused on yard piping, tertiary filters, and the aeration building. The county anticipates starting up new facilities in August 2026, with all offsite work scheduled for completion by May 2028. The county is also advancing targeted extensions to support a major data center. The Pecan Tree site extension, which the director identified as the critical project to supply water, sewer, and fiber to the facility, is expected to wrap up in September. Crews recently completed the third of four planned jack and bores, installing a 30-inch line. Following an executive session, the county council authorized the administrator to execute agreements with Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Gannett Enterprises, LLC—guaranteed by Google LLC—to improve the public rail crossing at Pecan Tree Road and provide reimbursement for the improvements. Progress continues on several pump station and force main upgrades. The county issued a notice to proceed to R.H. Moore for the Pump Station 10 force main replacement, a contract awarded for $2.94 million. Meanwhile, the Pump Station 72 force main, being delivered via the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model by Garney and Winston Sampson, has reached 70% design. The county has received a guaranteed maximum price based on the 60% design and is finalizing engineering details before confirming the final cost. Additionally, Phase 2 of the regional water lines project is underway following a $6.2 million bid award, with the contractor operating on a 390-day construction schedule.