Hermantown council unanimously passes AUAR review for proposed data center

The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved a 2,700-page Alternative Urban Areawide Review for Google’s proposed data center. The state-authorized environmental review examines potential effects on wetlands and other environmental resources and incorporates comments from five government agencies and more than 200 residents. Project leaders Kimley-Horn and Mortenson Construction said the document was revised to address public concerns, while Mortenson’s Chris Bates said the process reflected Google’s commitment to public input.

Opponents, including Duluth resident Jim Klukkert, argued that the city should require an Environmental Impact Statement conducted by an outside entity. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had requested clarification, mitigation measures and additional wetland monitoring, which presenters said were incorporated into the review. The council also considered environmental review for a Minnesota Power transmission line intended to supply the data center, but postponed that matter until Thursday after a lengthy public-comment period.