Residents press council for transparency and EIS as union leaders tout jobs for proposed Hermantown data center

Hundreds of residents and advocates filled the Hermantown council chamber and several took the podium on March 16 to speak about a proposed hyperscale data center (referred to in testimony as Project Loon). The public‑comment period featured more than two dozen speakers who voiced sharply divergent views on whether the project belongs in a rural residential area.

Opponents emphasized process and permanence. Dozens of residents asked why the city engaged in negotiations that some described as having been shielded by nondisclosure agreements, and several called for a site‑specific environmental impact statement (EIS) rather than an alternate AUAR process. Common concerns included potential impacts on wetlands and trout streams, long‑term traffic and lighting effects, low‑frequency noise from transformers and cooling equipment, water and wastewater usage, and the difficulty of repurposing purpose‑built data‑center buildings once they reach obsolescence.

“Are you not in your position because we, the residents of Hermantown, voted for you?” asked Carol Walsh, calling for accountability. Emma Richman warned of short lifespans for AI data centers and asked: “What is your plan for the site and building 20 years from now when Google leaves?” Several commenters raised doubts about the sufficiency of the previously adopted AUAR and pointed to a pending lawsuit challenging its adequacy.

Proponents argued the campus would bring real construction jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. Kyle Bukovich, representing local electricians, said the project would provide “good paying local union jobs from site prep to electrical installation” and long‑term maintenance roles. Jack Carlson, president of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council, said such projects allow tradespeople to work closer to home and support local businesses.

Both sides questioned transparency and the city’s outreach procedures. Speakers suggested more proactive notification methods for the forthcoming EQB comment periods — postcards to residents within a radius of the site, press releases on day one of public comment, and clearer online posting of documents and comment logs.

What happened: While the meeting’s public comment was underway, the council also considered routine business and later approved a contract amendment to fund third‑party review of an updated AUAR. Staff committed to posting scoping documents and draft AUAR materials on the city’s project web page and to forwarding substantive comments to consultants for formal responses.

The closing: The meeting recessed after council roll‑call votes recorded unanimous support on the items presented. Residents said they will continue to organize and pursue legal and administrative channels to press for an EIS or stronger mitigations if the AUAR update does not address key concerns.

Representative quotes: “We are watching similar scenarios play out across the country…All too often, it’s a poor outcome for residents,” said Dawn LaPointe. “This project gives our apprentices hands‑on experience…It means steady jobs that provide family sustaining wages and benefits,” said Kyle Bukovich.