Weekly Data Center Watch: Augusta Voters Overturn Data Center Rezoning

Augusta Township voters decisively rejected the industrial rezoning of over 500 acres of farmland near Milan, effectively overturning a decision by the Township Board of Trustees that would have allowed a data center project by Thor Equities. Unofficial results showed 89.5% of voters opposed the rezoning, which means the properties will revert to agricultural residential status. This vote follows broader community opposition, including petitions seeking to recall all seven township trustees.

Separately, in Saline Township, regulatory developments are ongoing for a large data center project linked to Green Chile Ventures. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved 300 megawatts of battery storage on July 16, which is part of DTE Electric's strategy to meet the substantial electrical demands of the data center. The MPSC also deemed DTE's proposed resources sufficient for the new load, despite an attempt by the Michigan Attorney General's Office to intervene and convert the proceeding into a contested case.

Further information has emerged regarding a proposed wastewater discharge into the Saline River associated with the Saline Township facility. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) clarified that the discharge consists of treated sanitary sewage from the facility's bathrooms, distinct from cooling water. Oracle, a company involved with the facility, stated it would utilize a closed-loop cooling system. The draft permit for the Related Digital Wastewater Treatment Plant, which would allow the discharge if state requirements are met, is currently open for public comment, drawing calls for increased transparency and public involvement from the Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs coalition. This permit is for the OpenAI and Oracle data center under construction in Saline Township.