Planning official: proposed data center would use closed‑loop system; board approves conditional use permit

Planning and Zoning Administrator Hilary Betka told the Merrick County Board of Supervisors on May 12 that a proposed data center on parcel 11‑15‑4 (parcel 292.00) would operate as a closed‑loop system and "would not continuously use water." The board voted to approve the conditional use permit, requiring a decommissioning plan, a landowner lease and a bond to cover remediation if the facility fails. The motion passed by roll call: all ayes.

Betka described the permit package and the board’s conditions at the meeting. The county’s approval includes the decommissioning requirement and financial assurance intended to ensure the site can be restored if the data center ceases operation or encounters problems. Supervisors Wiegert and Kreachbaum moved and seconded the action; no votes against or abstentions were recorded.