MEMPHIS, Tenn.  — Debate continues to reach an almost feverish pitch regarding the pros and cons of Elon Musk’s xAI supercomputer project versus health pollution concerns.

“I stand firm that nothing matters if you cannot breathe clean air, drink clean water, and plant in clean soil,” said State Representative Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis).

“My goal is to make sure that our people are protected from a health perspective and that we use this project to boost our city economically,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young.

On Tuesday, the City of Memphis said that the air quality tests conducted in response to concerns about turbines operated by xAIfound no dangerous levels of pollutants.

Even though the Southern Environmental Law Center says that of the 10 pollutants researchers tested for, none involved the ozone.

And on Wednesday, attention shifted to xAI’s possible effect on drinking water and the Memphis aquifer.

“The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation should deny this permit. This is not personal. This is business,” said Pamela Moses, activist.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation was holding a virtual information session and public meeting on the xAI Wastewater Facility.

“They are not coming here to uplift or invest in our community.  They are here to exploit it. This a distressed and a historically neglected area and instead of bringing opportunity, Colossal is bringing pollution…secrecy and broken promises,” said Moses.

But supporters say the $80 million xAI Grey Water facility, named Colossus, will reduce some of the strain on the Memphis aquifer.

“This project is a game changer in terms of it saving about 4.7 billion gallons of water projected, and about 4.7 billion gallons will remain in the aquifer every year,” said Bobby White, Greater Memphis Chamber. “It’s setting a standard for our industry.”

The “Colossus Water Recycle Facility” will be a collaborative project between xAI, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Nucor Steel as the debate over its benefits continues.

“. “As it relates to being personal and not about business, I think this is something that we can attest to the fact that it’s good for us all and has wide-ranging support from every political dynamic, industry, citizens. We all want great drinking water,” said White.

TDEC will have an “in-person” informational session and public hearing about the xAI project on Thursday at Riverside Baptist Church from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., which is open to the public.