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Residents raise water and environmental concerns, urge stronger data center rules or ban
Summary
Multiple Miami County residents urged the commission to adopt stronger decommissioning rules, require studies of water and environmental impacts, and impose at least a six-month moratorium — with some calling for a permanent ban. Speakers cited groundwater risks and potential utility cost impacts.
During a public hearing on April 8, several residents told the Plan Commission they want stricter regulation of data centers and expressed fears about water use, groundwater contamination and local economic benefits.
Tori Pindell told the commission she "would like to see a stronger decommissioning section in the ordinance" and said she "would also like to see a 6-month minimum moratorium and, should an ordinance be adopted before that period, then the moratorium would be lifted." Dewayne Bowen said "pollutants from data centers are an issue for ground water and wildlife." Susan Gamester-Stoner said she was concerned that any power-plant tie-in could increase residents' electric bills and urged a total ban on data centers in the county.
Several commenters noted that neighboring counties have moratoria or limit data centers to industrial zones. Becky Wright Sampson said she was "worried about the water data centers will pull" and questioned whether there are enough studies on the impacts; she urged a permanent moratorium. Makayla Tubb voiced support for at least a six-month pause, and Bob Johnson asked for an indefinite moratorium.
Commissioners heard the concerns but did not adopt substantive technical requirements at the meeting; instead, the commission voted to forward a temporary moratorium recommendation to the Board of Commissioners and directed staff to draft an ordinance that responds to the issues raised by residents.
