Unsolicted data center concept proposal submitted to Desloge mayor
An unsolicited concept for data centers proposing to use water from flooded lead mines for cooling was submitted to Desloge, Missouri's mayor. Mayor Pete Pasternak and local residents have expressed opposition and concerns regarding noise, electricity demand, and water usage. The proposal is currently an early-stage concept with no formal plans.
Christopher Desloge of Desloge Consolidated, LLC, submitted an unsolicited concept proposal to the City of Desloge, Missouri, in early August, outlining a plan for sustainable data centers. The concept suggests using naturally cool water from flooded lead mines near Desloge in a closed-loop system for cooling data center equipment, aiming for net-zero water consumption. Desloge highlighted potential benefits such as high-wage jobs and increased tax revenue, and indicated that Doe Run and Renco Group, due to their land and subterranean rights, would be potential discussion partners. The proposal acknowledges the need to evaluate water access, aquifer rights, environmental factors, and state and federal requirements.
Desloge Mayor Pete Pasternak publicly expressed his opposition to the idea, citing concerns about excessive noise from data centers. Prior to an August 10 Desloge Board of Aldermen meeting, rumors of a data center proposal circulated, leading to a larger-than-usual number of public comment requests. During the meeting, residents voiced concerns regarding electricity demand, potential strain on local aquifers, water use, and the quality and duration of promised local jobs, with no one speaking in favor of the data center concept.
The board decided to schedule a public town hall meeting for further community input. Mayor Pasternak has consistently reiterated his opposition to the development of a data center in Desloge or the surrounding community, emphasizing that no formal plans are currently in place.