Residents urge pause as Hermantown debates Google hyperscale data center

Dozens of residents urged the Hermantown City Council to slow or stop approvals for a proposed Google hyperscale data center, saying the project poses irreversible environmental and community risks.

Tom Bates told the council to "slow down approvals" and warned that once permissions are granted "you can't change your mind" because large corporations can litigate to enforce agreements. Joanne Bates raised contamination concerns tied to extensive piping, saying lengthy loops and multiple joints increase the risk of leaks of so‑called "forever chemicals," and asked whether citizens should be allowed to vote on the proposal. Several speakers, including Rebecca Gradorf and Peter Taylor, emphasized that the draft AU/AR (environmental review referenced repeatedly in testimony) calls out groundwater vulnerability and urged the council to prohibit large withdrawals.

Minnesota Power senior representative Julie Pierce told the council the utility expects new electricity sales to generate a local sales‑tax revenue stream created by 2025 state law, estimating "a couple of million dollars per year on the low end" could flow to Hermantown from electricity consumption once the data center ramps up. Pierce also said adding a large customer can spread fixed utility costs, citing an estimated $600–$800 million of benefits over the first 15 years for the utility's customer base if the project connects.

Opponents focused on noise, air quality and water risks. Jill Dri, a registered nurse, said she is "permanently disabled due to seizures" triggered by loud noise and bright lights and urged preservation of land for parks and agriculture instead of industrial development. Speakers cited national examples—unreported water losses, noise complaints, and alleged generator emissions—and urged a moratorium so ordinances and mitigation requirements can be strengthened. Don La Point explicitly called for a one‑to‑two‑year moratorium so the city can "examine ordinances and zoning, and put appropriate safeguards in place."

Supporters emphasized construction jobs and longer‑term community benefits. Kirk Island of Lakehead Constructors described contractors' capacity to employ local tradespeople and said his firm and others would supply skilled labor. Local union trades speaker Nate Rickard said unions support the project for well‑paid construction work but added that protections are needed to avoid harming Hermantown.

The council did not take final action on development agreements at this meeting; instead it proceeded through the consent agenda and a set of routine resolutions. Members of the public asked the council to demand stronger study of generators, a reclamation bond to cover decommissioning, restrictions on groundwater withdrawal and clearer mitigation for dust, noise and heat‑island effects.