Cheyenne Discontinues Acceptance of Wastewater from Data Centers After Contamination Incident

The city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, has announced a halt to accepting wastewater from data center operations. This decision follows contamination of the sewage system, linked to contractors working for Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.

Recently, the Cheyenne Public Utilities Commission disclosed for the first time the source of this contamination, which necessitated extensive cleanup efforts. Until further notice, all data center-related industrial wastewater will no longer be accepted as authorities work to mitigate future risks.

Goat Systems LLC, the construction company for Meta’s Cheyenne data center, was found in violation of the city’s industrial pretreatment regulations. The contamination involved wastewater laced with Cupriavidus gilardii, a bacterium that impacts the recycled water system, primarily affecting irrigation but not drinking water supplies.

The issue, first identified in February, arose from wastewater produced during routine fill-and-flush operations at Meta’s expansive $800 million data center project, known as Project Cosmo, located in South Cheyenne. These operations are common for cleaning cooling systems, and the city’s decision to suspend acceptance of wastewater marks a significant shift in policy as they reassess how to avoid such challenges in the future.

In response to the contamination alert, Goat Systems promptly ceased all wastewater discharges at the Meta facility, with the Public Utilities Commission revoking the company’s disposal privileges effective March 24.

City Councilman Pete Rayborn expressed his dismay over the revelation that Meta’s operations were the cause of the contamination, calling it an unpleasant surprise. He acknowledged having reservations about the city’s agreements with data center operators and noted that this situation would likely lead to deeper discussions. “That’s the last thing we need right now, but it’s a reality we have to deal with,” he remarked.

Mayor Patrick Collins shared similar sentiments, appreciating the Public Utilities Commission’s efforts in identifying and addressing the contamination but voicing disappointment regarding the issue itself.

A spokesperson for Meta indicated the company is collaborating with general contractor Fortis to address the situation. Upon discovering the contamination, Fortis halted wastewater discharges and began transporting the material off-site. They also initiated independent water quality testing, which reportedly found no traces of the contaminant. The spokesperson emphasized Meta’s commitment to being a responsible presence in Cheyenne, particularly in protecting local water resources.

Meta’s Cheyenne campus represents one of the largest private construction endeavors in the city’s history, situated in the High Plains Business Park, with plans for its footprint to span around 800,000 square feet.

Meanwhile, environmental activist Erin Brockovich has recently launched a campaign opposing AI data centers. Her concerns include the secrecy in the approval processes for these facilities, often shrouded by non-disclosure agreements that leave residents in the dark about the rationale for approvals devoid of environmental assessments or community input.

Local officials aiming to pause or stop construction face considerable financial repercussions. For instance, Hill County, Texas, instituted a year-long moratorium in response to public pushback, only to be sued by the developer for $100 million shortly afterward—a suit that was later dropped.

Furthermore, residents living near data centers have reported problems with noise pollution. “The real issue is the noise, the decibels,” noted Brockovich, emphasizing the distractions caused by constant generator humming and buzzing. Additionally, communities have been troubled by rising electricity costs and declining wildlife in areas near these facilities.

The debate over the placement of AI data centers represents a critical point of contention as society grapples with the implications of artificial intelligence. In a related discussion, Wynton Hall from Breitbart News recently published a book discussing the MAGA movement’s approach to AI, aiming to benefit humanity without compromising control to Silicon Valley interests or external powers.