business
Nashville Zoo data center could threaten a federally endangered species with ‘limited’ habitat nearby
By Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The proposed data center next to the Nashville Zoo could face an additional roadblock — this one with the federal government. The Southern Environmental Law Center and Center for Biological Diversity sent an email to DC Blox, the company behind the proposed site, on Frid...
Key takeaway This campus, which would consist of two data centers with a combined power capacity of 50 megawatts, could potentially harm one of the few remaining habitats for a federally endangered species, the groups said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The proposed data center's proximity to the Nashville Zoo and the Nashville crayfish's habitat raises concerns about the city's ability to balance economic growth with environmental protection. As Nashville continues to attract new businesses and developments, the city must ensure that these projects do not harm the local ecosystem. The Nashville crayfish's limited habitat, found only in Mill Creek and its tributaries, makes it particularly vulnerable to threats from nearby construction. The city's zoning and permitting processes will be crucial in determining the fate of the data center and the Nashville crayfish. Residents should watch for how the city's government and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service respond to the concerns raised by the Southern Environmental Law Center and Center for Biological Diversity, and whether they will require additional environmental assessments or mitigation measures to protect the endangered species.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The proposed data center next to the Nashville Zoo could face an additional roadblock — this one with the federal government. The Southern Environmental Law Center and Center for Biological Diversity sent an email to DC Blox, the company behind the proposed site, on Frid...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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