Public comments on proposed Amazon data center in Walla Walla County ask for oversight

News ClipThe Spokesman-Review·Wallula, Walla Walla County, WA·11/1/2026

Walla Walla County received 706 public comments on Amazon's proposed data center campus at Wallula Gap, with 676 opposing the development. Opponents cited potential impacts on water, energy, wildlife, noise and air quality, while the county continues its SEPA environmental review before deciding on the application.

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Amazon

Gov: Walla Walla County, Port of Walla Walla, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Colville Tribes, Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Washington State Environmental Policy Act

Walla Walla County published more than 700 comments on Amazon's proposed data center campus at Wallula Gap. Amazon purchased 554 acres at the Wallula Gap Business Park and plans to develop five buildings, including three data centers, on 134 acres east of U.S. Highway 12.

Opposition accounted for 676 of the 706 submissions. Many commenters requested a full Environmental Impact Statement and raised concerns about aquifer withdrawals, water pollution, energy use, utility costs, drought, noise, lighting and other environmental impacts. Supporters generally backed the project for its potential economic benefits but also sought enforceable safeguards.

The county is working with planning consultant Facet on its review under the State Environmental Policy Act. Community Development Director Melissa Shumake said the eventual SEPA threshold determination will establish whether the project requires a full Environmental Impact Statement. The county plans another comment period before making a final decision, but no timeline has been set.