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Select Board flags regional data-center planning and Sanford biosolids facility as issues to watch

Select Board · February 18, 2026

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Summary

Members raised concerns about a reported 100–300 MW data-center project in York County and relayed notice of a proposed Ares Clean Technologies biosolids gasification facility in Sanford; DEP and Sanford will hold public briefings as permitting moves forward.

Select Board members used their Feb. 17 meeting to flag two regional projects that could affect Wells and neighboring communities: reporting about a large-scale data center in York County and notice of a proposed biosolids gasification facility proposed by Ares Clean Technologies near Sanford’s wastewater plant.

Select Board Member (Speaker 7) said state reporting suggested a moratorium subcommittee in Augusta is examining a two-year pause on large data centers to study impacts and noted press reports that a York County project could be between 100 and 300 megawatts — several times larger than a 50-MW project in Limestone, Maine. “There’s very little information about what it’s going to be,” the member said, adding local planning and ordinance review may be necessary if projects proceed.

Separately, town staff (Speaker 3) said they have heard concerns about a proposed biosolids gasification facility by Ares Clean Technologies proposed adjacent to the Sanford Wastewater Treatment Plant. Staff reported contacting the Maine Department of Environmental Protection; DEP acknowledged receipt of inquiries and said it would follow up. Sanford will host an informational meeting on Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Goodall Library for members of the public to learn more.

Board members encouraged early engagement: they suggested contacting state legislators, asking planning boards to review potential local ordinance implications, and consulting municipal legal counsel to learn from other communities’ experiences. No formal board action was taken at the Feb. 17 meeting on either item.