Council releases Archer Data Centers EAW for 30-day public comment

The Faribault City Council voted to release the Archer Data Centers draft Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a 30-day public review period, a procedural step to determine whether a fuller Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required.

Staff said the project, proposed by Archer Data Centers and documented by consultant Kimley Horn, is located near the city’s industrial park and is currently within city limits and zoned I2. Because the applicant proposes between 450,000 and 500,000 square feet, staff said the proposal triggers a mandatory EAW under state rules and the city is the responsible government unit for completeness review and public comment.

Harry Davis told council staff had circulated the draft to Rice County and others, had reviewed the document multiple times with the applicant, and recommended releasing it for public comment. Staff outlined the post-comment sequence: 30-day public comment period, applicant revisions, planning commission review, and subsequent council consideration before potential submission to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board.

Council approved the resolution to release the EAW. Staff noted that while an EIS is possible, current information makes that outcome less likely; the EIS threshold mentioned in the discussion was substantially larger (a figure stated as 650,000 square feet would require confirmation). The council did not take final project approvals at this meeting — it approved only release of the EAW for public review and comment.