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Residents, township leaders urge caution on data centers as Saline land sale draws criticism
Summary
Multiple residents and former public servants told the board they oppose Related Digital’s planned data center projects on farm land in Saline and Bridgewater townships, citing water consumption, heated discharge impacts on streams, noise, traffic, and limited tax benefit to local classrooms under current tax exemptions.
Dozens of listeners in the Sept. 3 public comment period urged Washtenaw County commissioners to scrutinize and slow approval of industrial data‑center projects after speakers described watershed, economic and quality‑of‑life concerns tied to recently announced proposals in Saline and Bridgewater townships.
Main points raised by speakers - Water use and discharge: Testimony noted that some data centers can use millions of gallons of water per day; speakers said heated discharge into receiving streams can raise temperatures, potentially triggering algal blooms and…
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