Residents press Richland council for moratorium, more safeguards on planned data center; city manager cites option agreement

Dozens of residents pressed the Richland City Council on July 21 to pause permitting and require stronger safeguards before a proposed large data-center project proceeds, while the city manager said an existing option agreement limits the city’s ability to impose a moratorium.

Multiple speakers during the public comment period urged a one-year moratorium on data-center construction and requested a town-hall-style public meeting with the project proponent. Heather Sheldon, who identified herself as a Richland resident, said she understood a land sale to a firm called Atlas Agro had already been made and called for a moratorium and enforceable policies to protect water, health and land. “We strongly urge you to place a moratorium,” Sheldon said, and urged requirements including limits on on-site combustion generators, continuous water and environmental monitoring, financial assurances and decommissioning funds.

Other residents raised technical and regional concerns. Charis Johnson cited broader drought and grid-pressure data and urged caution about expanding large, power-intensive facilities. Several speakers asked the council to require Atlas/Agro Atlas to disclose projected water and power demand, wastewater impacts and mitigation plans.

City Manager Almanson read a prepared statement addressing these concerns. He said the council had authorized an option agreement that gives Atlas Agro a limited period to evaluate the property but is not a sale or permit. “Because an option agreement is in effect, imposing a moratorium is not possible,” Almanson said. He added that the council has directed staff to ensure any future purchase and sale agreement would include clear, binding and enforceable conditions addressing electricity demand, water use, noise, heat generation, utility rates and other community protections. Almanson also noted the property is already subject to federal deed covenants and environmental restrictions and said staff intends to build upon those protections.

Council members acknowledged the residents’ concerns and discussed options for more public engagement, including a town hall and additional briefings. Council member Winton said she would support a town hall to provide residents more information; others encouraged participation in advisory boards and commissions as ways to engage on policy details. Several council members also reiterated that staff and the legal team would seek binding safeguards in any future sale.

Next steps: staff will continue work on enforceable conditions for any future purchase and sale agreement, pursue community engagement including potential town halls and return to council with specific proposals, Almanson said.