Data center expert urges caution
An environmental health specialist, Tammy Clark, spoke in Minot, North Dakota, warning about environmental hazards, noise, and water depletion from hyperscale data centers. She advocated for regulations, including noise ordinances and decommissioning plans, and even outright bans, citing negative impacts on communities and agriculture. Local Republican candidates expressed constituent concerns about data center proliferation and their potential impact on quality of life.
Environmental health specialist Tammy Clark delivered a warning about hyperscale data centers in Minot, North Dakota, on June 5, speaking at an event hosted by District 3 Republicans. Clark, an industrial hygienist, emphasized that while she supports technology, the current rapid development of data centers across the country is occurring without adequate public information or global safeguards, leading to environmental hazards.
She was invited by District 3 Rep. Jeff Hoverson, who noted significant constituent interest in data center issues. Clark highlighted concerns about noise, particularly infrasound, which can disrupt wildlife and human health, citing lawsuits in Williston, North Dakota, and Dowagiac, Michigan, over noise impacts. She also raised alarms about excessive water usage by data centers, warning of aquifer depletion, and the environmental impact of new transmission lines and gas plants built to support these facilities.
Clark criticized the industry's focus on tax incentives and contracts, suggesting that hyperscale data centers are being built despite newer, more efficient computing technologies emerging. She recommended that communities implement noise ordinances, require water-alternative cooling systems, and demand decommissioning plans with escrow funds. Ultimately, she suggested that some counties might best serve their communities by banning data centers entirely if appropriate, non-harmful locations cannot be found. Local Republican House candidates Crystal Hendrickson, Tim Mihalick, and Blaine DesLauriers also shared varying views on data center development, from concerns about quality of life to advocating for responsible growth that benefits local communities.