Rapid City Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Data Center Regulations
Rapid City officials are considering regulations that would limit power and water use, noise and setbacks for future data centers. More than 150 residents attended a public meeting, while Sequitor Edge advances plans for a proposed $52 million facility in south Rapid City.
More than 150 residents attended a Rapid City Council meeting to comment on draft rules for future data center development. The proposed ordinance would restrict hyperscale facilities consuming more than 50 megawatts of electricity or 10,000 gallons of water per day and require additional review for other projects, along with limits on noise and residential setbacks.
Water use was a leading concern among residents, while others supported retaining conditional-use permits to preserve public input. Rapid City planning staff will continue collecting surveys through Nov. 2 and are expected to present the feedback to the Planning Commission on Nov. 5. The regulatory debate comes as Sequitor Edge pursues a proposed $52 million data center at the Black Hills Industrial Center.