Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Modular Data Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposed 2 MW modular data center prompts county questions on water, noise and zoning
Summary
A NODIAC proposal for a 2 MW modular data center on 0.25–0.5 acre raised questions from the committee about water (closed-loop glycol system, 3–4k gallon initial fill), truck traffic, noise (company cited ~70 dB at the fence), lease terms and potential tax impacts; staff will prepare zoning and regulatory options.
Committee members reviewed basic details from a NODIAC representative about a proposed 2-megawatt modular data center to sit on a small parcel adjacent to an ethanol plant and existing solar. The project would occupy roughly 0.25–0.5 acre with concrete pads and two containerized units about 10–12 feet high. According to materials relayed by staff, the site would use a closed-loop cooling fluid (a propylene glycol mix) with an initial fill of 3,000–4,000 gallons; chillers are air-cooled and the fluid is expected to be changed every five to eight years, with disposal following DNR rules.
Committee members pressed on traffic and noise: staff relayed that heavy truck moves would be infrequent (initial fills and occasional top-offs) and that the company would perform a noise study and apply mitigation if needed; a noise figure cited was about 70 decibels at the fence. The company's representative told the committee the firm intends to lease only the acreage it needs (it has a lease option on 39 acres) and that many modular projects run near-continuously once commissioned. The committee instructed staff to develop options — which could include a specific data-center definition or a broader "emerging technology" zoning approach — and to return with draft language for future meetings.
