Residents’ viewpoint: ‘Stop the Monticello Data Centers’ group outlines concerns

The "Stop the Monticello Data Centers" Facebook group, comprising more than 1,400 members, is vocally opposing the development of two hyperscale data centers in Monticello, Minnesota. Members have engaged in various forms of protest, including placing yard signs, speaking at City Council meetings, petitioning, and meeting with local and state officials, all aimed at improving a proposed ordinance (DCPUD) and halting or slowing the projects. Residents cite significant concerns, particularly regarding the proposed locations: the Monticello Tech site borders residential neighborhoods, and the Scannell Technology "park" is near the Bertram Chain of Lakes. Key issues include potential impacts from extensive water usage, with projections reaching hundreds of millions of gallons per day, and risks to water quality and aquifers from chemicals like PFAS and glycol. The group also expressed frustration at not feeling heard by the city despite public comment opportunities on the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) and the DCPUD. Further concerns revolve around the prolonged construction period, anticipated to last seven or more years, which would bring dust, noise, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and light, disrupting daily life for residents in areas like Featherstone and Edmonson Ridge and potentially affecting home values. Electricity demand is another major point, with Xcel Energy proposing that developers cover 75% of related infrastructure costs, and residents worrying about grid strain during peak demand. Noise from generators and cooling systems, particularly given outdated state noise standards, also remains a significant issue. The group is actively seeking a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data center development to allow time for answers to their questions and is calling for the city and City Council to hold town hall meetings at various times to ensure broad community participation. They argue that the quality of life, environment, natural resources, and home values are all at stake, and a clear rationale from city officials is needed regarding the projects and potential community benefits.