Letter: Prometheus data center project draws concerns in Natrona County
A letter to the editor raises concerns about Prometheus’ proposed hyperscale data center and power plant at Falls Ranch in Natrona County. The writer questions the project’s effects on ranch land, noise, wildlife, water, natural gas use and electricity infrastructure, while noting that the developer says closed-loop cooling and on-site generation will reduce impacts.
A letter published by Oil City News criticizes the proposed Prometheus hyperscale data center and power plant in Natrona County. The writer says the project would convert about 1,000 acres of ranch land to industrial use and could affect surrounding residents through noise, visual changes and impacts to open space, wildlife, clean air and water. The project was moved from a site nearer homes in Converse County to a different section of Falls Ranch in Natrona County after nearby residents objected.
Prometheus has said the facility would use closed-loop cooling to limit water demand and would generate its own electricity with natural-gas generators during the first phase. The letter argues that those claims do not resolve concerns about natural-gas consumption, land-use changes and the broader effect on the community, and suggests public access to a nearby waterfall as part of a possible community benefits agreement.