Google makes promises to quell Hermantown data center concerns
Google is making efforts to address significant community and environmental concerns regarding its proposed data center in Hermantown, Minnesota. A Google representative presented commitments to the Hermantown City Council, including environmental protections and local grants, following concerns raised by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Despite these promises, residents expressed skepticism about the project's impact on their wells and the local environment.
Google is actively working to address community and environmental concerns surrounding its proposed 1.66 million-square-foot data center in Hermantown, Minnesota. During a recent Hermantown City Council meeting, Liz Schwab, representing Google's market development, outlined a series of commitments designed to mitigate the project's impact. These include reducing wetland impacts by 37%, implementing surface and groundwater monitoring programs to protect cold-water trout streams, and establishing monitoring wells to track potential effects on residential well water.
Schwab also promised noise levels no louder than 47 decibels and announced $2.5 million in grants for local nonprofits, though specific recipients were not disclosed. Furthermore, Google has secured a labor memorandum of understanding with the Duluth Building Trades Council, ensuring local labor involvement through Mortenson Construction, the project's contractor. In the event of decommissioning, Google committed to allow the city to find a new tenant, decommission the building, or provide $210 million adjusted for inflation for decommissioning.
Despite these assurances, Hermantown residents expressed skepticism and opposition. JoAnne Bates criticized "oligarchs" for prioritizing profits over community costs, while Tim Resberg demanded written guarantees for well replacement and independent state monitoring. Rick Davis, though acknowledging potential job benefits, asserted the project is "in the wrong spot" due to environmental and residential impacts. Ironworkers Local 512, represented by Brent Harju, supported the project for its job creation and tax base contributions.