Data centers face a new environmental concern
A data center under construction in Cheyenne, Wyoming, faced a $10,000 fine and permit revocation from the local utility after a rare bacterium linked to its wastewater was found in the sewer system. The utility subsequently banned certain types of wastewater discharge from data centers citywide, prompting an appeal from Meta's contractor, Fortis Construction. This incident highlights growing concerns among utilities and experts regarding the management of specialized wastewater from data center construction.
Data centers across the U.S. are encountering a new environmental challenge related to the wastewater generated during their construction, specifically from the "fill and flush" process of closed-loop cooling systems. An incident in Cheyenne, Wyoming, saw a data center project, backed by Meta and constructed by Fortis Construction, cited for contaminating the sewer system with a rare bacterium, Cupriavidus gilardii.
The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities fined the developer $10,000, revoked its wastewater permit, and implemented a citywide ban on certain closed-loop system wastewater discharges. The bacterium was concerning as it persisted after wastewater treatment and reuse for golf course irrigation. Fortis Construction has appealed the fine and disputes the utility's findings, arguing a lack of evidence. Meta spokesperson Francis Brennan stated that their contractor immediately stopped discharge and independent testing showed no bacteria.
The incident underscores a broader issue for small utilities that may lack the infrastructure and regulations to manage novel wastewater from data center construction, according to experts like Jonathan Brant, an engineering professor at the University of Wyoming. Kendra Sveum, operations director at Loudoun Water in Northern Virginia, shared that Loudoun County has developed its own robust testing protocols for similar construction wastewater issues, requiring developers to test flush-and-fill water before discharge.
Separately, Ohio's EPA proposed a general permit in December that would streamline approvals for data centers to discharge wastewater directly into waterways, drawing criticism from environmental groups. Cheyenne city council members, including Peter Laybourn, emphasized the need for more oversight and regulation for data centers despite welcoming their presence, following the costly efforts to remove the bacterium from the city's sewer system and water reuse operations.