Data center well permit vote delayed amid uproar
The Port Washington Board of Public Works delayed a vote on Vantage Data Centers' request to use three existing wells during construction of its campus. This delay was prompted by significant citizen opposition raising concerns about aquifer depletion, groundwater contamination, and a perceived broken promise regarding Vantage's water sourcing. The board requested additional information before making a decision.
The Port Washington Board of Public Works has postponed a decision on Vantage Data Centers' request to utilize three existing wells for construction purposes at its data center campus. The delay occurred after a contentious public meeting where residents voiced strong opposition, expressing fears about potential aquifer depletion, groundwater contamination, and a perceived breach of Vantage's earlier commitment to exclusively use city water.
Citizens, including Dean Wiegert, Kim Tydrick, Sebastian Elischer, and Tracy Finch, challenged officials on issues such as well metering, the use of chemicals in cooling systems, and the impact on private wells, with some residents indicating they would hold the city liable for any future well damage. City Engineer Roger Strohm clarified that Vantage holds a state permit from the Department of Natural Resources for four existing wells, but plans to use only two for temporary construction offices, not for the data center's cooling systems.
Vantage's Vice President of Global Marketing, Mark Freeman, stated the wells would supply a maximum of 12,000 gallons daily for temporary domestic use during construction. Strohm noted that while the DNR requires annual metering reports, the city could request monthly data. The board deferred its decision until August 25, requesting more details on usage timelines, metering, assurances against well water use for cooling, and emergency spill protocols.