Meta Appeals Cheyenne Notice Of Violation Over Sewer Contamination
Meta is appealing a notice of violation from Cheyenne's Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) regarding alleged sewer contamination at its data center construction site. The company, through its entity Goat Systems LLC, denies responsibility for introducing Cupriavidus gilardii bacteria into the city's water reuse system and disputes the BOPU's evidence. A contested case hearing is pending to review the proposed $10,000 fine and cost recovery surcharge.
Meta, through its corporate entity Goat Systems LLC, has filed an appeal against a notice of violation issued by Cheyenne's Board of Public Utilities (BOPU).
The BOPU publicly identified Goat Systems as the industrial user responsible for introducing the bacteria Cupriavidus gilardii into the city's water reuse system during construction of Meta's $800 million data center. This contamination, first detected four months ago, disrupted Cheyenne's biological wastewater treatment process, forcing a halt in reclaimed irrigation water production.
Meta asserts that the BOPU has not provided sufficient evidence, including testing data and documentation, to support its claims. The company is seeking a contested case hearing to fully evaluate the facts, challenging the proposed $10,000 administrative fine and a surcharge for cleanup costs. Meta argues that its contractor, Fortis Construction, held the relevant wastewater discharge permit, not Goat Systems, and that its own samples tested negative for the bacteria. Fortis Construction supports Meta's appeal, emphasizing the need for a fact-based review. Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins acknowledged the appeal, while Dr. Mark Rinne, a city council member on the BOPU, expressed surprise but remains confident the contamination is linked to the data center work.