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Residents press council on Festus data centers; county schedules committee discussion
Summary
Public commenters urged county engagement and clearer information about data center impacts on light, water, sound and air quality; council announced a Dec. 3 committee meeting to examine data center issues.
Several residents used the public‐comment period to press the council on data center development and local process in Festus. Anthony Ruble of Festus said many residents at a recent Festus planning meeting opposed a data-center project yet the city approved it; he criticized public-notice practices and raised environmental and health concerns.
"There isn't enough renewable energy in this county to make up for this much pollution," Ruble said, adding concerns about respiratory health and the adequacy of mitigation measures. He urged the county to provide larger public meeting spaces and clearer information so residents can examine positives and negatives and participate in mitigation planning.
On the dais, Councilman Crowe announced the Council of Economic Development Objectives Committee will meet Dec. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. at this room to discuss data centers, including light distribution, water usage and sound, and invited interested residents to attend to hear facts firsthand rather than through social media.
Council members repeatedly encouraged public participation in committee meetings and planning sessions rather than relying on social media for information. The committee meeting is intended to provide a forum for technical questions and mitigation strategies.
