Coverage partner KCRG reports the Clayton County Planning and Zoning Commission is revising a proposed ordinance to regulate data centers and cryptocurrency mining centers.
Before revisions made during a workshop Tuesday night, the proposed ordinance bans any data centers from using open-loop cooling systems, meaning facilities must recirculate contained cooling fluid. It also limits the size of a data center to 20 acres, includes noise limits, and requires any application to list water usage estimates and an emergency response plan, and to coordinate periodic flushing or refilling of the closed-loop system with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the county.
The proposal is several steps away from becoming a county ordinance, as a public hearing will be held before the county commission, which would then send the revised ordinance to the Clayton County Board of Supervisors, which will hold more public hearings on the issue.
