McCone County commissioners propose draft resolution to require well testing, noise limits and road agreements for data centers

McCone County commissioners said they will draft a resolution to set conditions for any prospective data center or large warehouse development, focusing on groundwater testing, noise setbacks and road-use agreements.

Commissioner Ty Taylor said the county should require operators to test wells within a multi-mile radius and to monitor flow rates annually. “If water is required for the facility, then they need to test the wells — test the flow rate for the wells within a two mile circumference, three miles, probably three miles, and then test those wells annually,” Taylor said. He added the intent is to ensure the new facilities “are not pulling water from anybody around there.”

Taylor also recited proposed noise and siting limits: “The ambient noise … cannot be cited within 5 miles of an inhabited structure,” he said, describing a draft condition the board could include in a resolution or zoning language.

Commissioners discussed adding similar requirements to the county’s upcoming subdivision regulations and to a separate resolution that would register the board’s early concerns if a company seeks to locate facilities in McCone County. “At least the point is out there — if you’re going to do it, we want to talk about you — talk in the early stages not the late stages,” Taylor said.

Board members also said they want to require a road-use agreement before any ground disturbance or heavy construction by a data center operator. One commissioner noted the need for an agreement to protect county roads from construction traffic and to set standards for repairs and permits.

The board did not adopt language during the meeting; instead members agreed a draft resolution will be prepared for later review. They discussed but did not conclude whether parts of the measures would be placed in the subdivision regulations the planning committee is revising.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the measures as precautionary steps to protect scarce local water supplies and to prevent long-term noise impacts in a largely rural, flat landscape where sound and groundwater changes could reach neighboring properties. The board said the draft will be circulated for review before any vote.

What’s next: Commissioners instructed staff to prepare draft language for a future meeting. They also said they would seek review of any draft by county counsel and planning staff before placing it on a future agenda.