The proposed Bonner data center in Missoula County is facing challenges after the property owner decided to pull support. This decision, announced Monday, comes amid growing concerns from the community regarding environmental impacts. Bonner Mill Industrial Park’s general manager, Mike Heisey, informed the county that he withdrew his backing due to public apprehensions over the data facility’s potential environmental harm.
Heisey confirmed the decision in a message shared at a Missoula County commissioner meeting and on the project’s webpage. The proposed data center, planned by Idaho-based Krambu, was set for the former UFP Edge building at the industrial park, a site once home to the Stimson Mill. Local residents voiced issues about its environmental impact, particularly concerning water usage, noise, and possible pollution of the nearby Blackfoot River.
The facility was projected to initially use 7 megawatts of power, potentially increasing to 100 megawatts. A closed-loop cooling system was intended, although water usage specifics were not disclosed. Krambu’s lack of response to requests for comment has added to the uncertainty surrounding the project.
Amidst this, Missoula County commissioners will vote on a temporary zoning measure to pause new or expanding data center developments. This proposal, driven by issues found during Krambu’s application review, including public concerns, aims to safeguard public health, safety, and natural resources.
The county’s existing regulations on data centers, established in 2021, address energy use and noise, but lack provisions for water and air quality concerns. Director Karen Hughes highlighted the need for updated regulations to reflect modern data center operations, which now support advanced systems like artificial intelligence.
Commissioner Josh Slotnick noted overwhelming public support for the moratorium, set to be discussed at a Thursday meeting. The public can participate online or attend in person at the Missoula County Courthouse.
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