Saline River at center of permit request tied to Oracle, OpenAI data center in Saline Township
Oracle and OpenAI are seeking a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River from their data center in Saline Township. Local residents express concern about potential toxic chemicals, despite the companies' claim of a closed-loop water cooling system. EGLE is currently reviewing the permit request and considering public comments.
The Saline River in Saline Township, Michigan, is at the heart of a new permit request by Oracle and OpenAI for a data center under construction. The companies have applied to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to discharge treated sewage from the facility's bathrooms into the river.
Local residents, including Sarah and Jacob Brabbs, who live approximately seven miles from the site, have raised significant concerns. They fear that toxic chemicals could be dumped into the river, which is a popular spot for fishing and recreation. While Oracle states the data center will employ a closed-loop water system for cooling, meaning water is recycled, residents remain wary. The public comment period for the permit application is set to close on August 24th, with EGLE confirming it will consider all public input before making a decision on the approval.