‘White colonies’ of petri dish bacteria led to data center pollution fine
The Meta Cheyenne Data Center received a $10,000 fine and a citation for "serious noncompliance" with wastewater discharge standards after white bacterial colonies, identified as Cupriavidus gilardii, were discovered in the city's reclaimed-water system. Meta has appealed the citation and is seeking a contested-case hearing, denying responsibility for cleanup costs. The incident has raised public concerns regarding industrial development and environmental protection.
The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) has cited the Meta Cheyenne Data Center for "serious noncompliance" with wastewater discharge standards and issued a $10,000 fine following the discovery of unusual white bacterial colonies in the city's reclaimed-water system. The bacteria, identified as Cupriavidus gilardii, were first noticed in January, prompting months of investigation that traced the source to Meta's data center. The BOPU terminated Meta's wastewater discharge permit, releasing a detailed timeline and documents related to the incident.
Meta has appealed the citation, seeking a contested-case hearing and refusing to cover cleanup costs. The company's construction contractor, Fortis, reportedly stopped discharging industrial wastewater and began hauling it offsite upon discovery of the problem. Meta maintains that independent testing found no trace of the substance and reiterates its commitment to being a good neighbor and protecting local water resources.
The contamination and subsequent citation have fueled public concern, particularly among residents already wary of the extensive rezoning of rural lands for new industrial uses like data centers. Critics question industry promises, environmental safeguards, and water conservation efforts statewide, especially given Cheyenne's limited water rights and its practice of reclaiming sewage for irrigation.