Perryville revises data center regulations after public concerns

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) — Perryville leaders say no data center is currently proposed for the city, but officials are continuing to strengthen local regulations in case a company approaches the community in the future.

City Administrator Brent Buerck said Perryville began looking at data center regulations near the beginning of the year after watching similar projects create controversy in other communities.

“At hand for us is how we’re going to regulate data centers,” Buerck said. “There’s not one on the table currently.”

Perryville adopted its first data center ordinance in February and later approved a second version. The Board of Aldermen is expected to consider a third revision Sept. 1.

The latest proposal includes several requirements for any future project, including a public hearing before a license could be issued and a 500-foot separation requirement from homes, childcare facilities and work centers for people with developmental disabilities.

The ordinance would also generally cap water use at 50,000 gallons per day on a 30-day average, require closed-loop cooling systems and prohibit groundwater wells and once-through cooling systems.

Applicants would have to submit environmental and noise impact assessments, provide expected utility demands and show that electrical power has been secured. City officials would also be prohibited from entering into nondisclosure agreements during the licensing process.

Buerck said residents have already influenced how the ordinance has developed.

“The third version incorporated five to six, seven things from our previous feedback from the community,” Buerck said. “So we are listening. The board is acutely aware of what folks are saying.”

The proposed ordinance also states that the Board of Aldermen received concerns about safety and potential effects on the public and environment and incorporated those concerns into its regulations.

“I don’t think the board is inclined for us to start approaching data centers,” Buerck said. “But I also think that if a data center approaches us, we’re gonna have the conversation.”

Buerck said additional meetings could be held as needed as Perryville continues reviewing and updating its regulations.