Eastport weighs early-stage AI underwater data center proposal as opponents seek to halt process
A proposal for an AI underwater data center in Eastport, Maine, by DeepGreen Western Passage SPV LLC has generated significant local opposition due to concerns about its potential impact on fisheries and sensitive waters. Residents have formed a petition committee and advanced two proposed ordinances to challenge the project, with public hearings expected in August. The developer states the project is in an early, analytical phase focused on environmental studies.
An early-stage proposal for an AI underwater data center off Eastport, Maine, is facing strong backlash from some residents who fear the project could harm local waters and the fishing industry crucial to Washington County. The proposed project by Massachusetts-based DeepGreen Western Passage SPV LLC includes 170 turbines and 34 "hive pods" of AI servers, with sites off Kendall Head and Moose Island.
Eastport residents Deborah Gillespie and Suellen Hendrix expressed alarm, citing the area's importance as a fish migration corridor and questioning the project's necessity. Opponents are concerned about potential temperature changes from the data center and their effects on local fisheries. Eastport City Manager Brian Schuth clarified that the preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) does not authorize construction and is merely an early placeholder for evaluation.
In response to community opposition, the Washington County Commissioners issued a letter against the proposal, and residents have organized a petition committee to advance two proposed ordinances. These ordinances, which seek to regulate or halt the project, have garnered sufficient signatures and are expected to proceed to public hearings before the Eastport City Council in August.
Louis Wolfson, managing member of DeepGreen, emphasized that the FERC filing is not a construction blueprint but a request to conduct multi-year environmental and engineering baseline studies. He stated the company's roadmap is phased, starting with a small pilot project, and aims to use tidal power to address data centers' energy, water, and land bottlenecks without impacting local resources. Wolfson also mentioned outreach to the Wabanaki Nation and Passamaquoddy leadership, committing to respect tribal sovereignty and local feedback.