Residents, township leaders urge caution on data centers as Saline land sale draws criticism

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 ecological harm. Commenters asked whether proposed projects have water‑use permits and how discharge would be monitored. - Jobs and tax promises: Speakers disputed some tax‑benefit claims made by developers, noting large state sales and property tax exemptions that limit local school and municipal revenue; commenters cited independent analyses suggesting local operating tax benefits to schools may be modest compared with company tax breaks. - Local impacts: Residents raised complaints about noise from generators and cooling systems, truck traffic, and the permanent loss of farmland. Several speakers urged local land‑use authorities to adopt stronger review tools and called on the county to provide model land‑use guidance for townships approached by data‑center developers.

County discussion and next steps requested Several commissioners said townships have zoning authority and that the county’s role is primarily to ensure public‑infrastructure impacts (water, roads) are assessed and that public health and environmental protections are enforced. The Washtenaw County Environmental Council brought draft guidance for data centers to the board; residents urged commissioners to endorse or share model standards with township boards. Commissioners said they will continue to receive public comment and explore what county tools (permits, road‑weight enforcement, environmental review referrals) they can offer to local governments.

Ending Speakers asked commissioners to consider temporary measures — such as requiring municipal notification, delaying approvals pending environmental review or seeking a countywide approach — to protect farmland, water and municipal service capacity while townships consider proposals.