Google presents AUAR draft and talks water usage to Hermantown City Council

Google representatives appeared before the Hermantown City Council to discuss water usage for their proposed data center, clarifying that no ground or well water would be used for the cooling system. Anthony Giovannone, a manager for Google's Utility Infrastructure Strategy team, explained that the facility would employ non-evaporative cooling technologies, requiring a one-time fill of 1.7 million gallons per building for startup and only 2,000 gallons per month for maintenance. Domestic use for employees would account for up to 50,000 gallons daily, with wastewater directed to Duluth's Resource Renew treatment plant via Hermantown's sewer system.

Earlier in the month, Google received 192 public comments, which will be incorporated into an updated AUAR (Alternative Urban Areawide Review) study. Key concerns to be addressed include fieldwork for groundwater monitoring, details on construction activities, air quality analysis for backup generators, and enforcement of mitigation plans. Hermantown City Councilor Andy Hjelle questioned the enforceability of annual emissions limits for generators, with planner Leila Bunge of Kimley Horn clarifying that permits would account for emergency and maintenance use.

The final AUAR study is expected by early August for review by state agencies. If approved without state suggestions, the Hermantown City Council plans to consider approving Google's data center later in the fall. Google also intends to hold another community open house in August at the AAD Shrine.