Google data center wins final approval in Wayne County: What residents need to know
Van Buren Township’s Planning Commission granted final site-plan approval for Google’s planned 1-gigawatt data center and electrical substation in Wayne County. Residents and environmental advocates remain concerned about noise, dust, water use, wetland impacts, electricity demand and potential ratepayer costs, while Panattoni and project supporters cite jobs and investment.
The Van Buren Township Planning Commission approved final site plans for Google’s 1-gigawatt data center and electrical substation on a 282-acre site near I-94. The project, developed by Panattoni, is expected to begin service in December 2027 and employ 50 to 200 people, but residents have raised concerns about construction noise, long-term equipment noise, dust, water consumption and impacts on nearby wetlands and streams. More than 2,700 people have signed an online petition opposing the facility.
The project is expected to use 2 million to 3.6 million gallons of water daily and about 1 gigawatt of electricity. Michigan regulators approved DTE Energy contracts that require Google to fund up to 1,600 megawatts of renewable energy and 480 megawatts of battery storage, while DTE is pursuing additional natural-gas generation that critics warn could increase costs and emissions. Panattoni said it would use noise walls, site-access changes and water-management systems to limit impacts, and supporters described the development as a major source of jobs, tax revenue and investment.