Saline Data Center Work Raises Dewatering, Pond Questions
Saline Township officials are investigating whether construction dewatering at the Related Digital data center site caused a nearby pond's water level to drop. The township is also monitoring other aspects of the project, including truck traffic, lighting, generators, and utility work, and is collaborating with state agencies like EGLE. The contractor, Walbridge, was admonished for not initially notifying the township about corrective actions taken, such as adding water to the pond.
Saline Township officials are actively reviewing the construction activities at the Related Digital data center site, particularly focusing on whether dewatering operations contributed to a nearby resident's pond dropping approximately two feet. Township engineering consultant Dan Cabage provided an update during a recent Township Board meeting, detailing the ongoing monitoring of various site activities including truck traffic, lighting, generators, well data, and utility installations.
Cabage noted that dewatering, a common construction practice to ensure trench safety for deep utility installations, was permitted through county or state agencies, not the township. While monitoring wells show a groundwater table drop of 4-5 feet in isolated work areas, no residential wells have been reported affected. However, the township did become aware of the pond's diminished level during the dewatering period, exacerbated by warm weather.
The project's contractor, Walbridge, faced criticism from the township for failing to notify them about initial corrective measures, which included using a tanker truck to add clean water from a permitted dewatering well to the pond and hiring a pond consultant for testing. Cabage indicated he would follow up with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) regarding the dewatering permit. Other ongoing concerns include confirming generator specifications (with one being gas-powered and the rest diesel), and replacing a temporary emergency access bridge deemed insufficient by the fire chief and township officials. The Michigan Department of Transportation is also assessing increased traffic from construction employees.