A six-month freeze on data centers and crypto mining

Cascade Township has paused consideration of all data center and cryptocurrency mining proposals. The township board voted unanimously Wednesday to impose a six-month moratorium. Officials say the freeze gives them time to study the environmental and infrastructure impacts before making any long-term decisions.

Township Supervisor Grace Lesperance said the move was proactive. No data center developer has approached the township with a proposal.

"I think it would be premature at this time to form an opinion about yes or no, but certainly there's some major concerns, and we want to make sure that whatever we do decide is based on a lot of information, and that it doesn't affect residents negatively."

PFAS contamination already on residents' tables

The moratorium comes as Cascade Township residents are already dealing with PFAS contamination in their drinking water. PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" and are linked to certain types of cancer after long-term exposure.

Tom Gottlick, a Cascade Township resident whose water tests positive for PFAS, said the township cannot afford to take on additional infrastructure demands.

"Clean drinking water for the people that are living here now, that needs to be the priority, that just absolutely needs to be the priority."

Gottlick was blunt about whether the township could handle a data center on top of existing problems.

"No, because if they can't handle the infrastructure lack thereof right now, there's no way that Cascade could handle a data center."

Why data centers worry neighbors

Data centers house computer equipment for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital services. They can consume massive amounts of water for cooling systems. Communities across the country are grappling with how to manage the rapid expansion of these facilities.

Lesperance acknowledged the township is in a difficult position. PFAS contamination is regulated and funded at the state level, which limits what local officials can do.

"I agree with the mentality of, we don't need to welcome a whole new problem that we don't even know the effects of before we've got enough on our plate with clean water in Cascade Township."

Lesperance said she is personally "very hesitant" toward allowing any data centers in the township at this time.

What the moratorium covers

The pause applies to:

• Data centers
• Cryptocurrency mining facilities
• Similar emerging land uses

The moratorium prevents township leaders from considering proposals for six months. Officials can extend it for up to one additional year if needed.

Township staff are already working with legal counsel on a draft ordinance for long-term regulations. That work will continue regardless of whether data centers are ultimately allowed in the township.

What residents are asking

Gottlick said the focus should remain on current residents and their existing problems.

"Take care of the people here first before you start bringing in something that could have a detriment to the community."

Federal officials are also exploring ways to address concerns about data center water use and other potential impacts. The national conversation around these facilities continues to evolve as more communities face the same questions Cascade Township is wrestling with now.