Hermantown approves updated data center review
The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved an updated environmental review for Google's proposed nearly 1.7-million-square-foot data center near Morris Thomas and Midway roads. Residents continue to oppose the project, arguing that a more stringent environmental impact statement is needed, while the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requested additional information about wetlands, streams, springs and water monitoring.
The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved a revised Alternative Urban Areawide Review for Google’s proposed nearly 1.7-million-square-foot data center near Morris Thomas and Midway roads. The updated review identifies the project as a data center and provides more detail than the city’s earlier environmental review.
Residents opposing the project say the AUAR does not adequately address its potential environmental effects and have called for a more comprehensive environmental impact statement. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources did not object to the review but requested more information on mitigation measures and impacts to nearby wetlands, trout streams and springs. After discussions with the city, the agency said it supported developing a monitoring and adaptive management plan and ensuring sufficient ground- and surface-water data is collected.