Missoula County Data Center Study: Public Q&A Set for Oct. 27 |
The county’s draft study on data center impacts is out. Here’s when you can hear it explained, ask questions and comment. |
Missoula County has released a draft study on how data centers could affect the county, and residents get their first chance to question it on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Dates, places and rules below come from the county’s announcement and its project page, checked Saturday, Oct. 24.
Why the county is studying data centers
On July 9, county commissioners adopted a countywide one-year moratorium on new or expanded data centers outside Missoula city limits.
They used Montana’s interim zoning law, which lets counties respond to emergencies involving public health, safety, morals or general welfare.
That law requires staff to finish a study before pursuing any solutions.
The moratorium expires July 8, 2027. Commissioners can extend it for a second year after another public hearing.
What the study looks at
Staff from the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department began the study in July.
It examines energy consumption, water quantity and quality, air quality, and heat, noise and vibration, plus options to prevent, reduce or eliminate harmful impacts.
The draft executive summary and the full draft study were posted Oct. 21 on Missoula County Voice.
Tuesday, Oct. 27: presentation and Q&A
Two more chances in November
How to comment
You can speak at either November meeting or leave a comment in the online Guest Book on Missoula County Voice. It requires a free account.
Staff don’t reply to Guest Book comments, so put questions on the page’s Questions tab, email datacenter@missoulacounty.us or call 406-258-4657.
The county hasn’t listed a comment deadline.
What comes next
The study phase comes first. A second phase, pursuing solutions, starts after the study is complete.
For background, the county also released a podcast episode on Oct. 21, “What Can Missoula County Do About Data Centers?”
Graphic: Zootown Lowdown
Sources
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