Council hears more concerns about AI data center, potential city water usage | News | nwmissourinews.com
Nodaway County residents raised concerns at a Maryville City Council meeting about the proposed White Cloud Acres data center and its potential water usage. Residents criticized existing feasibility studies and called for a more comprehensive impact study. The city council approved a contract amendment for an impact study on how the data center and power plant would affect Maryville's water supply.
Nodaway County residents, led by Scott Wilson, voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed White Cloud Acres data center and natural gas energy plant project at a recent Maryville City Council meeting. Wilson, a county commissioner candidate and member of the "Nodaway Says No" group, specifically criticized the existing feasibility study as flawed and advocated for a comprehensive impact study to assess the project's effects on the local water supply. He alleged the initial study favored Scale Microgrids, the company behind White Cloud Acres, and questioned City Manager Ryan Heiland's involvement in initiating the city's participation.
The primary point of contention revolves around the city's potential contribution of water to the data center, with residents fearing consequences for downstream areas and Mozingo Lake, Maryville's main water source. In response to these concerns, the City Council approved a $9,780 amendment to its contract with HDR Engineering to conduct an impact study.
However, Wilson expressed skepticism about the scope of this newly commissioned study, arguing it resembled another feasibility study rather than a true impact assessment addressing downstream effects as originally suggested by Councilwoman Erin Allen. Allen, while acknowledging her "impulsive" use of the word "study," clarified her intent was to evaluate the full spectrum of the city's involvement, emphasizing that the council seeks more information before committing to supplying water to the project. She also defended City Manager Heiland, stating that neither he nor any city official initiated the city's involvement in White Cloud Acres.
The situation highlights ongoing community opposition and the Maryville City Council's efforts to gather more data before making a definitive decision on supporting the data center project's water requirements.