Oscoda trustees approve data center, bitcoin mining ordinance
The Oscoda Township Board of Trustees has approved a new ordinance to regulate data centers and bitcoin mining facilities. These facilities will now require a Special Land Use Permit in the Industrial Zoning District and must use closed-loop cooling systems to reduce water consumption. This action provides specific zoning standards where none previously existed.
The Oscoda Township Board of Trustees recently adopted a new regulatory ordinance for data centers and bitcoin mining facilities, following a recommendation from the Oscoda Township Planning Commission. This decision, made on May 11, establishes specific zoning standards for these emerging land uses, which previously lacked dedicated regulations within the township.
The ordinance mandates that data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations will only be permitted with a Special Land Use Permit within the Industrial Zoning District, primarily located in the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. A key environmental provision in the new regulations requires facilities to utilize closed-loop cooling systems to significantly reduce water consumption, a point emphasized by municipal law attorney Keith Brown during the meeting. Brown explained this would make such facilities' water usage comparable to a typical office building, despite potentially increasing electricity use.
Trustees Mark Wygant and Regina Fortner raised questions regarding the scope and definitions within the ordinance, particularly whether it would apply to smaller operations or how to explain cryptocurrency mining to the general public. Attorney Brown clarified that the ordinance is primarily for standalone facilities, not individual home setups. Following discussion, the motion to adopt the ordinance passed with a 4-0 vote.