Paddock Calls For Strict Environmental Review of Google Data Center Expansion
Fort Wayne City Council President Geoff Paddock has urged the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to apply strict environmental standards to Google's request to expand its Fort Wayne data center. The expansion involves filling 2.13 acres of wetlands for three new buildings, with a public hearing scheduled for August 25 where residents are expected to voice concerns. Paddock noted prior approvals for wetland filling and diesel generators, and stated environmental plans were not presented during the 2023 rezoning.
Fort Wayne City Council President Geoff Paddock has formally requested that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) impose rigorous environmental standards during its review of Google's proposed expansion of its data center in Fort Wayne. The tech giant is seeking permission to fill approximately 2.13 acres of forested, isolated wetlands to construct three additional buildings as part of the data center's third expansion phase.
IDEM has scheduled a public hearing for August 25 to address the expansion request. In his letter to IDEM, Paddock highlighted that he has heard from numerous residents who intend to participate in the hearing to express their concerns regarding the environmental implications of the project. Paddock himself is unable to attend the scheduled hearing.
The City Council President also pointed out that IDEM previously approved a request for Google to fill over two acres of wetlands during an earlier phase of the data center's expansion. Additionally, IDEM greenlit Google's proposal earlier this year to install more than 140 emergency diesel generators at the facility.
Paddock's letter further noted that discussions about environmental and wetland impacts are typically part of the city council's rezoning process. He stated that these specific environmental plans were not presented to the council when it approved the data center's rezoning in 2023. He is now urging IDEM to collaborate with the city and ensure the application of the strictest possible environmental safeguards for the current permit request.