Land Conservation discusses data centers, transmission line and ordinances
The Crawford County Land Conservation Committee discussed its authority to enact a data center moratorium and operational ordinances in the absence of countywide zoning. Committee members explored various regulatory requirements, including environmental impact studies and infrastructure provisions. They are consulting legal counsel and plan to engage local townships to address data center development.
The Crawford County Land Conservation Committee (LCC) recently convened to discuss the county's authority to regulate data center development, particularly in the absence of countywide zoning. County Conservation Director Dave Troester reported consulting with Corporate Counsel Mark Peterson regarding potential options, with Peterson suggesting working with townships that already have zoning.
Supervisor Mary Kuhn advocated for a countywide moratorium on data centers while operational ordinances are developed. She proposed various regulatory requirements, including full environmental impact studies, developer-provided infrastructure, setback distances from residences, and financial contingency plans for decommissioning. Forest Jahnke of the Crawford Stewardship Project supported the idea, noting the county has previously enacted moratoriums on other industries without countywide zoning.
The committee acknowledged that currently, no county permits are required for data center construction. Discussions also touched upon the BECI 765 kV transmission line project, with Supervisor Al Thompson reporting on developer outreach and the importance of documenting road conditions for post-construction repairs. The Town of Scott requested the county pass an opposition resolution similar to one for the MariBell project. The LCC directed Troester to prepare such a resolution for their next meeting.
Separately, the committee addressed revisions to animal waste and septic system ordinances, with Corporate Counsel Peterson advising against immediate amendments. They also discussed issues surrounding the "Field of Dreams" subdivision in the Town of Prairie du Chien, where a developer is attempting to connect to municipal sewer lines despite complications, leading to a potential precedent for septic system requirements in the county.