Eastport residents raise concerns over underwater AI data center
A proposed underwater AI data center near Eastport, Maine, is facing opposition from residents concerned about its environmental impact on marine life and the local fishing industry. Residents urged the Eastport City Council to oppose the project and enact a temporary moratorium, which the council rejected due to the project being in early study phases. The developer, Deep Green Western Passage, states the project aims to be environmentally friendly and provide economic benefits.
A controversial proposal for an underwater AI data center in Passamaquoddy Bay, near Eastport, Maine, has sparked significant concern among local residents. The project, led by Massachusetts-based Deep Green Western Passage, plans to place computing infrastructure in the bay, powered by tidal energy and cooled by seawater.
Residents, including Sue Ellen Hendricks, express worry about the potential environmental impacts, specifically fearing that the heat from the data pods could harm marine life such as lobsters, scallops, and clams, which are vital to Eastport's fishing economy and identity. They have urged the Eastport City Council to formally oppose the project and consider a temporary moratorium to allow for more extensive environmental review, hoping that delays might deter investors.
Developer Lewis Wolfson of Deep Green Western Passage argues that the concept is designed to reduce energy demands compared to traditional data centers and leave a "zero permanent footprint." He also claims the project aims to generate excess electricity for the local community and create high-paying jobs. However, the Eastport City Council rejected the proposed moratorium. Town Manager Brian Schth explained that this decision was made because the project is still in a preliminary study phase, and any construction would require additional environmental and regulatory approvals. Schth also noted the city's limited resources for extensive legal expenses at this early stage. A 48-month study period is expected before any formal license application is filed, leaving the debate about the project's place in the maritime community ongoing.