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Freeport council asks city attorney to draft data-center ordinance after public worries about water use and noise
Summary
Council directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance addressing data centers’ water and energy use; a public commenter recounted problems he observed near an AI data center (referenced in the transcript as 'Grock'), citing heavy water use, saltwater-intrusion risk and diesel generator noise.
Council members on May 28 directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance addressing data centers and their local resource use after council discussion and a public comment raising environmental and community concerns.
Councilwoman Hafner said she wanted an ordinance to prohibit or limit data centers that use large amounts of electricity and water, and asked City Attorney Clay to prepare proposed language for future council consideration. Multiple council members supported asking staff to bring draft language back when feasible.
During public comment, Keith Blanchard described his experience with an AI data center (he referenced the name "Grock" in the meeting) and warned of heavy water consumption, concerns about saltwater intrusion where groundwater levels fell, unfulfilled company promises about water reuse and energy sourcing, and noise from on-site backup diesel generation. He urged caution and suggested the city act to protect local resources.
Council did not adopt any ordinance on the night but formally referred the matter to the city attorney to draft an ordinance for future review.
What happens next: City Attorney Clay will draft ordinance language for council consideration; staff said they may coordinate timing with county actions but will prepare a city-level proposal.
