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Nobles County adopts AUAR scoping, opens 30‑day public comment and hires legal, technical teams for data center review
Summary
The Nobles County Board voted 4–1 to adopt an AUAR Draft Order and Scoping Document for the proposed Geronimo data center, opened a 30‑day public comment period under Minnesota rules, and approved legal and technical contracts with Widseth and Flaherty Hood with intent to seek project reimbursement.
The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on March 11 to adopt a Draft Order of Review and a Draft Scoping Document for an AUAR related to the proposed Geronimo data center and to open a 30‑day public comment period consistent with Minnesota Administrative Rules 4410.1500. County Commissioner Justin Ahlers cast the lone dissenting vote; Commissioners Chris Dybevick, Gene Metz, Bob Paplow and Robert S. Demuth voted in favor.
A prior motion to delay the Draft Order and Scoping Document failed on a 1–4 vote before the Board adopted the documents. The Board’s action initiates the public review period specified by state environmental review rules and allows government units and interested persons to submit comments during the 30‑day window.
Separately, the Board approved hiring Widseth for environmental technical work and Flaherty Hood for legal services to assist the county’s review of the Geronimo proposal. The Board noted statutory authority exists for the county to seek reimbursement from the project provider for those services. The motion to approve the legal and technical service agreements passed (moved by Commissioner Bob Paplow; seconded by Commissioner Robert S. Demuth).
County staff told the Board that advisors and counsel are assisting with the evaluation and permitting questions. The county will publish the Order of Review and Scoping Document and notify the EQB and other government units as required by Minnesota Administrative Rules 4410.3610 and 4410.1500.
Next steps: the scoping documents will be published, the 30‑day comment period will run, and the county will collect written input as outlined under state rules. The Board also appointed delegates to coordinate continued review of the proposal (see related article on appointments).
