Marshfield residents continue pushback on planned data center

Residents of Marshfield, Missouri, located in Webster County, are intensifying their efforts to oppose a planned data center development. A town hall meeting was held this week to discuss the project, and a delegation plans to bring the issue before the Webster County Commission on Monday, May 11th. Locals express significant concerns about the project's rapid progress and a perceived lack of transparency from developers. Kevin Jones, a resident, voiced concerns about unanswered questions regarding the data center's energy and water requirements, as well as potential discharge and its environmental impact. Gail Brown, who owns property on Rifle Range Road near the proposed site, highlighted worries about wildlife and health, emphasizing the desire to preserve the environment for future generations. Brown also noted that while the initial site is 5 acres, another 5 acres are being surveyed, suggesting the facility could be larger than initially understood and classified as a "Level 3" data center. The absence of a planning and zoning commission in Webster County complicates efforts to halt the project. Residents are now considering strategies employed by Camden County, which is reportedly facing a similar situation. The primary goal is to advocate for a moratorium to slow down development until more information about the project's actual effects can be determined by the County Commissioners.