More than 50 residents voice opposition to data center project during Massena Town Board meeting
Residents in Massena, New York, including those from the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, voiced strong opposition to a proposed 635MW data center project at a Town Board meeting. The project, involving NYDIG and North Country Collocation Services, would require a new electrical substation and initially planned for river water cooling, which town officials deemed a "non-starter." The Town Planning Board is set to review the site plan and environmental impact, with officials emphasizing a need for transparent communication and alternative cooling methods.
Massena, NY – Over 50 residents, including members of the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, attended a Massena Town Board meeting on May 20 to express strong opposition to a proposed 635-megawatt data center project slated for the former Alcoa East plant. Despite town officials clarifying that no action was scheduled for the meeting, community members, alerted by social media, used the opportunity to voice concerns about the project's environmental and health impacts, drawing parallels to historical industrial pollution affecting the tribal community.
The proposed development, involving NYDIG and North Country Collocation Services (NCCS), outlines three large structures totaling over 1.4 million square feet and the use of up to 316 diesel generators, though NYDIG indicated this number could be reduced. Town Deputy Supervisor Sam Carbone highlighted that the initial proposal to use river water for cooling was a "non-starter" for the town, urging the consideration of closed-loop cooling systems. Concerns were also raised by "County officials" regarding the significant power demands, noting the project's 635MW requirement against the local dam's 800MW production, and the absence of a power purchase agreement.
Supervisor Ray Lancto and Deputy Supervisor Carbone acknowledged the widespread misinformation circulating online but expressed gratitude for the public turnout, emphasizing the need for official town resources for accurate information. NCCS officials have committed to transparent communication and will maintain a project website for updates. The Massena Town Planning Board is scheduled to hold a hearing on the project's proposal and site plan on May 21 at Massena Town Hall, where environmental and economic impact studies, codes, permits, and variances will be reviewed. Town officials reiterated that the project is in its very early stages, with many proposals still under consideration.