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Residents press commission on water, tribal coordination and health concerns as data center proposal advances
Summary
At a public hearing April 2, residents and tribal representatives raised water-use, emissions and tribal coordination concerns about a proposed data center; staff and the applicant said the project is preliminary and state water reporting rules apply to water providers. The Planning Commission approved the permit unanimously.
The Duchesne County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a proposed data center on April 2 after extended public comment in which residents and a Ute Tribe representative urged more information on water use, long-term demand and tribal coordination.
Staff presenter Mike Gottfredson told commissioners that findings of fact were on file with the Community Development Department and that state reporting and notice requirements for water apply to water providers. Commissioner Reed Van Wagoner asked staff to confirm those reporting and notice requirements; Gottfredson said they apply to water providers. Tom Henderson clarified that industrial water rates are used for cooling when applicable.
Applicant representative Jake Anderegg described the data center proposal as preliminary and said details — including power arrangements and water reuse plans — are not yet finalized. "The project is preliminary and details are not finalized," Anderegg told the commission.
Public commenters voiced a range of concerns. Mike Natchees, representing the Ute Tribe Business Committee, requested coordination with the tribe and raised questions about water rights. Multiple residents asked for more specifics on projected water demand, potential emissions, impacts to agriculture and public health, and whether the project would be tabled until more information is provided. Several commenters asked that the commission require clearer water-source agreements and coordination with water providers before approving final permits.
Commissioners approved the conditional use permit by a 5-0 vote after the public comment period. Commissioners and staff recorded follow-up needs, including requesting additional documentation on projected water use and water-source agreements as part of the permit record.
The commission also noted that, while the county’s procedural rules require certain water reporting notices to be provided by water suppliers, the applicant and staff should clarify any separate written water-use commitments or contracts before construction permits are issued.
