Southaven residents are demanding a shutdown of xAI’s operations until independent, third-party health environmental impact studies are conducted.
The Safe and Sound Coalition was started as a response to complaints regarding the xAI facility located at 2875 Stanton Road in Southaven.
“This facility poses serious risks to public health, air quality, safety, and overall quality of life,” a petition from the organization reads. “It was launched without public notice, without an independent health or environmental review, and without transparency from either the City of Southaven or the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.”
Shannon Samsa has lived in Southaven all her life and has been providing updates through social media about the facility. Her research was prompted by her concern and a lack of transparency from city officials.
“If we want anything done about this, it’s up to us as a community to stop it.” Samsa said.
Samsa said it was “alarming” to find information collected from public records requests did not match what residents were being told.
“The people who are supposed to be protecting us don’t seem to be doing so,” Samsa said. “Whether or not they’re just banking on xAI and their consultants telling the truth, I’m not sure. I’m not sure why they’d be doing that after the precedent that’s been set in Memphis.”
In an August 1 report, Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite noted concerns in both Memphis and Southaven regarding air pollution, water capacity impacts, and more. The mayor said he would “never” advocate for a project that didn’t bring economic and public development to the city.
Despite these vetted sensitivities, citizens are still concerned about other issues the plant has posed.
Residents near the facility have reported noise pollution complaints prompted by xAI’s gas turbines. Those affected have complained to the local government, but are not confident the issue will be properly addressed. Citizens have also complained about air pollution, water use, power grid strain, and property value loss.
The facility’s presence has also made Samsa and her husband rethink starting a family in Southaven.
“I’m not quite sure I want to raise a family and have children somewhere where corporate interests and financial gain are prioritized over public health and the safety of our children.” Samsa said. “There are so many ways our children could be impacted by this.”
According to the Safe and Sound Coalition, there are 10 schools within a two-mile radius of the facility, as well as homes, parks, and churches.
The gas turbines also raise concerns about asthma, heart problems, and cancer.
Safe and Sound hopes city officials start being more transparent about what’s happening. They are asking for community outreach and input regarding xAI’s operation and next steps.
The coalition has also launched a petition asking for a shutdown of operations and accountability from the city and state.