Indiana officials approve permit allowing Google to fill wetlands for Fort Wayne data center

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has granted a permit to Hatchworks LLC, the developer for Google's data center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This permit allows the filling of 2.13 acres of forested isolated wetlands, an action required for the third phase of the data center's expansion, which includes building three more data center buildings.

The decision has drawn significant opposition. Fort Wayne City Councilman Geoff Paddock, a Democrat representing the 5th district, had previously urged IDEM to require Google to operate within existing rules that would not necessitate such a permit, citing concerns from his constituents. Local resident and Allen County commissioner candidate Jorge Fernandez announced his intention to appeal the permit approval within the required 15-day window, emphasizing environmental concerns and the need for legal and technical review of the permit. Opponents highlight the ecological importance of wetlands for flood protection, water quality, and wildlife habitats.

Google initially announced its $2 billion Fort Wayne data center project in April 2024, with long-range plans for up to nine buildings on an 892-acre site. The company stated that its design intentionally avoids over 75% of regulated wetlands and is providing 18 acres of mitigation credits for the approximately nine acres of impacted wetlands, aiming for a 2-to-1 net gain in conserved and restored wetlands in Allen County and across Indiana. The data center began operations in December 2024. The Fort Wayne City Council had approved the rezoning for the property in late 2023, a process during which wetland concerns were not reportedly mentioned by Google's representatives.