Broadview data center debate raises water and transparency concerns
Opposition is growing against a proposed Quantica Infrastructure data center project in Broadview, Montana, primarily due to concerns over water usage and a lack of transparency from the company. A democratic candidate for Montana's Eastern Congressional District has highlighted these issues, drawing parallels to other communities where data center projects have faced public pressure and moratoriums.
Opposition to proposed data centers is intensifying across Montana, with a notable flashpoint being a Quantica Infrastructure project situated north of Billings in Broadview. Brian Miller, a Democratic candidate for Montana's Eastern Congressional District and representative for opponents of the Broadview project, has voiced significant concerns regarding the lack of transparency from companies developing these facilities.
Miller specifically criticized the companies for not disclosing water usage plans and relying on non-disclosure agreements, particularly troubling for residents in eastern Montana who are sensitive to water resource issues despite the presence of the Yellowstone River. Quantica Infrastructure recently provided an outline for its Broadview data center, projecting 20,000 gallons of water usage per day with closed-loop cooling technology. The company also stated it is exploring ways to provide long-term water access to local communities, farmers, and ranchers.
Elsewhere in Montana, a data center project near Missoula in Bonner was stalled in July following public pressure, leading local commissioners to enact a one-year moratorium on all such projects. Additionally, the Fort Peck Tribe has banned official tribal discussions with companies seeking to build data centers, further underscoring the widespread concern and resistance to these developments.