DNR lists concerns on Hermantown data center environmental review
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has expressed concerns regarding Hermantown's environmental review for Google's proposed data center, citing information gaps and incomplete analyses. Opponents are leveraging these concerns to advocate for a more stringent environmental impact statement. Hermantown officials are working with the DNR to address the issues before the City Council considers the updated review this fall.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has formally raised concerns regarding Hermantown's Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for Google's planned data center. In an August 25 letter, DNR Ecological and Water Resources Division Director Melissa Kuskie noted issues such as "information gaps, an incomplete alternatives analysis, lack of defined mitigation, and inaccurate descriptions of agency roles," although the agency did not formally object.
Following the DNR's letter, the "Stop The Hermantown Data Center" group submitted its own letter, urging the Hermantown City Council to reject the AUAR and instead mandate a more rigorous Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), asserting the AUAR is "inadequate and deficient."
Hermantown officials, including Economic Development Director Chad Ronchetti, confirmed that meetings with the DNR took place to address the comments. Hermantown Community Development Director Eric Johnson also provided additional information to the DNR. The City Council is expected to consider the updated AUAR in the fall.