Nodaway County Residents, Maryville Mayor Express Concerns Over Proposed AI Data Center
Residents and local officials in Nodaway County, Missouri, are actively opposing a proposed $6.3 billion AI data center, 'White Cloud Acres', by Scale Microgrids, citing major concerns over water usage, noise, light pollution, and potential PFAS contamination. The Maryville City Council has already enacted a moratorium on large industrial builds within city limits, while the Nodaway County Commission is exploring options for a county-wide moratorium and regulations on data center development.
Residents of Nodaway County, Missouri, including lifelong inhabitant Carter Strauch and activist Nancy Zeliff, have formed a coalition called "Nodaway Says No" to oppose Scale Microgrids' proposed $6.3 billion White Cloud Acres artificial intelligence data center project south of Maryville. A petition started by Strauch garnered over 7,000 signatures, reflecting widespread community concern.
The opposition is primarily driven by fears regarding the data center's immense water consumption, potential PFAS chemical contamination, and significant noise and light pollution that could impact local agriculture, livestock, and quality of life. Maryville Mayor John McBride has publicly stated his opposition, citing that the negative impacts far outweigh any benefits, and highlighted the city's water treatment plant's limited capacity.
While Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe supports data center development, local efforts are intensifying. The Maryville City Council has already passed a moratorium on industrial builds over 60 acres within city limits. The Nodaway County Commission is currently investigating moratorium options and potential regulations on data center development, with a farmer-led group hiring attorney Stephen Jeffery to advise them, referencing a successful lawsuit that stalled a similar project in Festus, Missouri. Scale Microgrids, owned by Swedish firm EQT AB, faces accusations of lack of transparency from residents.