Salem deems data center application incomplete, questions water use
Salem officials have deemed the application for the Verrus data center incomplete, requesting substantial additional information on water consumption, environmental protections, and operational details. The company has 180 days to provide the missing data or risk the application being voided. This development occurs amid public opposition and the city's recent proposal for a temporary moratorium on AI data centers.
Salem officials declared the application for the proposed Verrus data center to be incomplete on August 28, requiring the company to submit a significant amount of missing information. The city's notice highlighted gaps ranging from LLC operating agreements and unlabeled buildings to detailed technical questions about the facility's water consumption and environmental protection measures. Verrus leadership stated their appreciation for the detailed review and committed to addressing the city's requests.
The proposed project, named Alderstone, includes two one-story buildings totaling 600,000 square feet near Mill Creek Drive. The city is also demanding two separate land use applications for the development. This review follows public outrage and strong opposition to the data center, which led the Salem City Council to unanimously vote on August 3 to advance a temporary moratorium on AI data centers. However, this moratorium is not yet in effect due to required public hearings and a 45-day notice to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development.
Verrus CEO Nelson Abramson asserted that the data center is designed for quiet operation, lower energy use, and significantly reduced water consumption. However, city staff are demanding extensive documentation, challenging Verrus's water demand calculations, closed-loop cooling system details, and annual water use estimates, particularly concerning hot weather days. They also requested confirmation that the center's backup power will rely on battery storage rather than diesel generators. Verrus has 180 days from the initial submission date to provide the requested information, with a deadline of January 27, 2027, before the application is void.