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Residents press De Soto City Council for environmental and noise safeguards as data centers advance; council tables consultant hire
Summary
Residents urged De Soto City Council to require environmental studies and stronger noise protections for proposed data centers. Councilmembers debated hiring a low-frequency-noise consultant but voted to table the contract and direct staff to collect more qualifications and proposals.
Dozens of residents told the De Soto City Council on June 18 that the city needs stronger environmental safeguards and clearer information about proposed data centers and developer incentives.
"I strongly recommend that the city require comprehensive environmental studies for major industrial projects," said Tony Caldwell, who gave his address and asked why the city had not requested impact studies from companies operating in the industrial zone. Several speakers also urged tighter noise standards and better enforcement of ordinances.
Researchers and residents cited health and environmental concerns. Jennifer Delgado, who said she draws on peer-reviewed work in her role as a researcher and teacher, read findings noting that "the health impacts of noise pollution include long term risks such as heart disease, permanent hearing loss, and tinnitus" and that diesel generator emissions can pose respiratory and cancer risks.
Developers and some neighbors pushed back. Rick Odo, the developer seeking rezoning for the Arbor Ridge expansion, said he is coordinating infrastructure work and argued the project is consistent with staff recommendations.
On the council's agenda was a request to engage Ronald Woolworth and Associates for low-frequency and infrasound noise consultation on an hourly basis not to exceed $20,000. Councilmembers questioned whether the city should run a more robust procurement process, seek additional qualifications and solicit more than one candidate before committing funds.
A councilmember moved to table the consultant authorization until the next meeting and directed city staff to acquire clearer qualification materials and solicit additional proposals. The motion carried on roll call.
The council took no immediate policy votes on new ordinance language; the motion to table preserves time for staff and council to gather technical resumes and consider a formal request-for-proposals process before deciding whether to hire outside consultants.
