Lacy Lakeview considers 'sewer mining' to help supply water for proposed data center

The Lacy Lakeview City Council in Texas is advancing plans for a proposed data center by exploring "sewer mining," a wastewater treatment process designed to supply the facility with water without drawing from the community's drinking supply. This initiative, which was presented by consultants from Energy Systems Group and Reuse Innovations at a recent council meeting, involves treating wastewater from existing sewer lines using membrane technology. However, the project is met with strong and ongoing opposition from residents in nearby Ross, Texas, who have displayed "Stop the Data Center" signs. Sara Mynarcik-Lenart, a key opponent, voiced concerns about the environmental impacts, the adequacy of the permitting process, and the disposal of leftover sludge from the sewer mining operation. She specifically questioned the lack of a required permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for connecting to sewer pipes and the management of dried sludge destined for landfills. The preliminary development agreement discussed at the council meeting did not include any votes. A city-authorized study for the sewer mining project is estimated at $200,000, which an unnamed company has offered to cover if allowed to proceed with developing a treatment facility. City leaders, including Mayor Wilson, indicated that sewer mining could also benefit Lacy Lakeview's future growth by addressing the city's already at-capacity sewer system, independent of the data center. The proposal also mentioned a potential connection to Waco's main sewer line, but the City of Waco stated it has not received any official requests.