Bonner data center proposal draws concerns over noise, power demands

Krambu, an AI company, is proposing to build a data center at the Bonner Mill industrial site in Bonner, Montana, a move that has drawn significant community concern. Last week, nearly 150 residents attended a meeting hosted by the local nonprofit Friends of Two Rivers to hear from Krambu CEO Steven Wood, who expressed interest in the site after a recent visit. The primary concerns raised by the public revolved around potential noise pollution, excessive water usage, and increased power demands. Krambu engineer Amber Orr stated the facility would initially draw 3 megawatts of power, with plans for expansion, potentially requiring new transmission lines. Orr assured residents that this power would be sourced externally, not from local utility Northwest Energy, and would not affect local rates. CEO Wood claimed proprietary technology makes their data center more energy-efficient and less water-intensive than typical facilities but could not elaborate on specifics or job creation figures. The community's apprehension stems from a previous bitcoin mine at the same site, which operated until 2020 and caused significant noise pollution. In response to such past issues, Missoula County implemented stricter zoning regulations specifically targeting data centers' noise and light impacts. Mike Heisey, the industrial park's property manager, emphasized that the new project would use onsite wells, avoiding the Blackfoot River, and would have no discharge, assuring environmental protection. Krambu submitted its application to Missoula County this week and aims to expedite the approval process, with CEO Wood telling the Missoula Current that the first phase could be operational by June. The public can submit comments through the county's Missoula Voice portal as the proposal moves forward.