Board hears community concerns about proposed Hammond data center, declines to commit to opposition

The board reviewed a letter from two community members asking the district to take action regarding a conditional-use permit the Village of Hammond granted to a company planning a small data center near the Sunflower Field. District administrator Tim (S2) said the village approved the permit, the decision was appealed and is currently pending before a Saint Croix County judge.

Tim read the requests and described the concerns: potential constant noise (he said, "but I believe it's 65" decibels in the permit agreement) and the use of chemical coolants such as ethyl ethylene glycol that could present hazards if leaked. He told the board the district's legal authority is limited because the village board granted the permit, but counsel suggested a formal letter of support for the village or a statement of the district's trust in the village process might assist residents in the appeals process. Board members discussed proximity (roughly three-quarters of a mile to a mile from district facilities), uncertainty about noise impacts at that distance, the potential local financial benefits if the local electric cooperative gained revenue, and whether the district should take a formal position; some members preferred to gather more information before acting and others cautioned against overstepping the district's role.

No formal motion to oppose the permit was made. Tim said the letter had asked for three actions (a formal opposition letter, a freeze on permits until an independent health-impact assessment, and legal review to consider joining a writ of certiorari), but he framed those as requests from residents rather than requirements for the district. The board left the item without taking further action.