More than 3,700 protests lodged over water rights for the Box Elder data center

A proposed mega data center in Box Elder County, northwest Utah, faces significant hurdles despite initial approval from the Box Elder County Commission. The primary obstacle is the acquisition of water rights, specifically a change-of-use application to convert agricultural water rights to industrial use. More than 3,700 individuals have filed formal protests with the Utah Division of Water Rights against this change. Opponents, including Deeda Seed of the Center for Biological Diversity, express grave concerns about the data center's water consumption, arguing it would exacerbate the decline of the Great Salt Lake, particularly in a region already facing water scarcity and record-low snowpack. Developers claim the data center will use less water than the rights they plan to acquire, but this assertion is met with skepticism. Audra Sorensen, a spokesperson for the Utah Division of Water Rights, acknowledged the unprecedented number of protests, stating that the State Engineer's office will thoroughly review each document. The process could include a hearing where protesters can present evidence to demonstrate potential impairment to their existing water rights. A decision will be made based on legal statutes, with parties having the right to appeal. The water right in question dates back to 1904 and involves 1,900 acre-feet, which is crucial for the project's viability. The Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA), championing the project, also announced the creation of the "Stratos Project Area" and plans for a Design Review Committee to engage the community.