Discussion surrounding a small-scale data center continues in Estherville, Iowa
Estherville’s Planning and Zoning Commission is continuing discussions about a potential small-scale data center proposed by PathOne Data Centers. Residents raised concerns about noise, water usage and facility deconstruction, while Emmet County’s one-year moratorium on new data center projects applies only to unincorporated areas.
The Estherville Planning and Zoning Commission heard from a representative of PathOne Data Centers about a possible edge data center in the Iowa community. Residents questioned the company about noise, water consumption and what would happen when the facility reaches the end of its useful life.
PathOne said it has not secured a tenant or committed to a project in Estherville, but views the community as a potential location because of available industrial capacity and what it described as stranded power. Company officials said they could pursue a project if the city adopts zoning parameters that accommodate the facility, with construction potentially taking 12 to 18 months after financing and approvals are secured.
The Emmet County Board of Supervisors previously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center projects to study their impacts and develop permanent zoning rules. The moratorium does not cover incorporated Estherville. The Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to finalize a memorandum of recommendations at its next meeting.