Palo council to hold public hearing on Google data center ordinance

PALO, Iowa (KCRG) - The Palo City Council will consider approving the first reading of an ordinance next week regarding a Google data center near the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant.

The proposed ordinance differs from one proposed by Linn County supervisors earlier this year that would have required a water study to determine how much water is being used. Google pulled out of the deal with Linn County in early March and started working solely with the city of Palo.

Palo’s proposal defers water regulation for all future data centers to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The DNR has not said what regulations the data center would have to meet, and whether the state can monitor such a big project.

The data center is expected to use more than 10 million gallons of water a day. The Palo Planning and Zoning Commission did not add additional water restrictions.

People have already spoken out about possible environmental factors.

Palo Mayor Bryan Busch wrote on social media that the council could add more rules and that the planning and zoning committee action is a first step, not a final decision.

A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday during the City Council meeting.