Data center is threat to Saline River, residents say in wetlands hearing
News ClipPlanet Detroit·Saline, Washtenaw County, MI·12/18/2025
Residents in Saline, Michigan are opposing a proposed $7 billion data center development by Oracle and OpenAI that would disturb 10 acres of wetlands. Environmental concerns include potential contamination from the facility's cooling system, impacts on the Saline River, and the data center's climate impacts. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy held a public hearing on the proposed wetlands permit, while the Michigan Public Service Commission recently approved quick approval of the project's power contracts despite public opposition.
zoningenvironmentalwaterelectricity
OracleOpenAI
Gov: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan Public Service Commission
Data center developers are applying to fill in wetlands, disturb a stream, and install stormwater structures that will discharge into the Saline River in Michigan. The $7 billion Oracle and OpenAI data center project has faced widespread public opposition due to environmental concerns. Michigan environmental regulators held a public hearing on a proposed wetland permit, where residents raised issues about climate impacts, water contamination, and the loss of valuable wetlands. The data center developer claims the project will be developed responsibly and mitigate stormwater runoff, but as part of a settlement, will preserve around 200 acres of wetlands, open space, and agricultural land. Residents argue the state is failing to protect its watersheds and natural resources from corporate development.