‘White colonies’ of petri dish bacteria led to data center pollution fine
Cheyenne has fined Meta $10,000 and terminated its wastewater discharge permit at the Meta Cheyenne Data Center due to "serious noncompliance" with discharge standards, following the discovery of unusual bacteria. Meta has appealed the citation, seeking a contested-case hearing and challenging cleanup costs. The incident has raised public concerns amid ongoing rezoning efforts for industrial use.
The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) has cited operators at the Meta Cheyenne Data Center for "serious noncompliance" with wastewater discharge standards, resulting in a $10,000 fine and potential cleanup costs. This action followed months of investigation, lab tests, and disinfection efforts initiated after unusual white colonies of bacteria were discovered in the city’s wastewater treatment system on January 15.
The bacteria, later identified as Cupriavidus gilardii, were found in the data center's wastewater recycling system. In response to the findings, the BOPU terminated Meta’s wastewater discharge permit. Meta has appealed the citation, requesting the $10,000 fine be returned and seeking a contested-case hearing, arguing against responsibility for cleanup costs.
The incident has sparked public concern among residents already upset by the ongoing rezoning of thousands of rural acres for new industrial development, prompting questions about industry promises, environmental protection, and water conservation. Due to Meta's appeal, utility officials have stated they will not provide further comments or hold a press conference, directing the public to a released timeline, FAQs, and 612 pages of documents.