Van Buren Township data center draws public concerns about environment
State environmental officials held a public hearing regarding Panattoni Development Co.'s proposed hyperscale data center in Van Buren Township, Michigan. Public comments focused on environmental concerns, particularly the impact on wetlands and potential flooding, though the township board had previously approved the site plan. The project would use significant water and electricity, prompting officials to consider brownfield alternatives, which Panattoni deemed unsuitable.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) conducted a public hearing concerning a proposed hyperscale data center by Panattoni Development Co. in Van Buren Township, Michigan. The project, named Project Cannoli, is slated for a 282-acre site at the northeast corner of Interstate 94 and Haggerty Road and has already received site plan approval from the Van Buren Township board in May. Panattoni is seeking a permit from EGLE for excavation and construction in wetlands and streams.
Public comments during the hearing primarily focused on environmental impacts, including the filling of 13.55 acres of wetland, the construction of stormwater ponds, and culverts, raising concerns about reduced floodwater retention and disruptions to wildlife. Lauren Eaton of Friends of the Rouge emphasized the critical role of wetlands in mitigating climate change impacts in the Great Lakes region. The proposed data center is projected to consume between 2 million and 3.6 million gallons of water daily and one gigawatt of power.
EGLE officials noted public input but stated that permit decisions are not based solely on public opinion. Adam Kramer, a partner at Panattoni's data center group, highlighted the project's potential for job creation and tax revenue. The company also addressed EGLE's inquiries about alternative brownfield sites, stating they investigated seven locations but found them unsuitable due to size constraints or complex environmental concerns. The project would require a subsequent permit from Wayne County for soil erosion and sedimentation control before construction could begin.