Saline River at center of permit request tied to Oracle, OpenAI data center in Saline Township
A new environmental permit request by Oracle and OpenAI to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River is reigniting public backlash against a data center project in Saline Township, Michigan. Residents are concerned about water quality and are watching closely as the State Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) considers the permit application. The public comment period for the permit ends on August 24th.
Environmental concerns are intensifying in Saline Township, Michigan, as a new permit request connected to a data center under construction has reignited public opposition. Oracle and OpenAI, the companies behind the data center, have filed a permit request with the State Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River. This development follows months of controversy and protests surrounding the data center.
Local residents, including Sarah Grabs, who lives about seven miles from the facility, express significant alarm over potential water quality impacts, fearing toxic chemicals could enter the river, affecting fishing and recreational activities. EGLE, however, clarified that the permit request is for treated sewage from facility bathrooms, emphasizing that "treated wastewater" undergoes processes to meet environmental and human safety standards.
Eric Norman, Director of the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State, explained that Oracle's data center will operate on a "closed-loop water system" for cooling, meaning water is recycled, significantly reducing overall water usage for that function. Despite this, residents remain vigilant. The public comment period for the wastewater discharge permit ends on August 24th, with EGLE committed to considering all input before making a final decision.