In a significant move to manage local resources, the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) has decided to halt water services to data centers for a year. This decision, made on Wednesday, comes after a vote by Ypsilanti Township to address the high demands these facilities place on local water supplies.
The YCUA board’s resolution effectively stops the provision of water and sewer services to large-scale data centers and related facilities until environmental and water system assessments are completed. This decision affects YCUA’s service areas across Washtenaw and Wayne counties, where the utility provides essential water and sewer services.
Brenda Stumbo, Ypsilanti Township Supervisor and YCUA commissioner, emphasized the need for caution, noting, “Two large data centers could take our capacity just like that.” Without careful management, she warned, this could hinder residential and business development.
Luke Blackburn, YCUA Executive Director, revealed that the wastewater treatment plant currently has an excess capacity of 4 to 5 million gallons daily, but stressed the importance of updating the utility’s 2018 wastewater master plan.
Concerns arise from a proposed $1.2-billion data center by the University of Michigan, which could consume up to 500,000 gallons of water each day. Another project by Thor Equities might demand even more, with daily usage potentially reaching 1 million gallons.
Despite the utility’s moratorium, the University of Michigan stated that its planned facility aims to create 200 jobs and contribute to various public projects. However, this project, exempt from local zoning laws due to the university’s status, faces local opposition due to its potential environmental and security implications.
Local Community Concerns
Residents and officials from Ypsilanti Township have rallied in favor of the moratorium, citing environmental and justice issues. Leah Mills-Chapman, a resident, highlighted the ongoing pollution problems in her neighborhood and saw the moratorium as a step towards addressing these concerns.
The township board has also passed resolutions opposing the placement of such data centers, particularly due to their environmental impact and the potential security risks associated with nuclear research at the proposed facilities.
In Augusta Township, where another data center is planned, local resident Wendy Albers supports the moratorium, hoping it will allow for more thorough community assessments and planning.
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This article has been adapted from content originally published by Planet Detroit and shared in collaboration with The Associated Press.
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