More than 2,300 protest filings challenge water application for Box Elder County data center

A proposed data center project, referred to as the Stratus Project, is seeking to secure 13,000 acre-feet of water rights in the Hansel Valley area of Box Elder County, Utah. A specific change application for water rights has triggered more than 2,300 formal protest filings from concerned residents and environmental advocates. Rob Dubuque, representing Friends of the Great Salt Lake, expressed concerns about the application, stating a desire to see detailed studies and designs for the proposed water use. He highlighted that a private landowner associated with the project holds 1,900 acre-feet of water that would be part of this change. The application indicates the water would primarily be used for power generation for the data center, with some allocated for a power plant. Representatives for the Stratus Project claim that their closed-loop system will result in less water usage than current agricultural purposes in the area and that there will be no impact on the Salt Wells stream, which is related to this water right. However, Dubuque argues there's a misunderstanding regarding a groundwater aquifer that feeds into the Great Salt Lake, which is already at historic lows. Kevin O'Leary, who identifies as a developer with a background in environmental studies, also spoke, emphasizing the project's commitment to mitigating environmental concerns, including plans to incorporate solar, wind, and battery technology that is significantly more efficient than previous methods. Despite the developer's assurances, the extensive list of protests filed with the Utah Division of Water Rights, many from Utah addresses, indicates significant local opposition. A hearing has been requested by those who have filed protests, though the Division of Water Rights has not yet scheduled one.