Bonner Data Center

As a recreationist and conservationist, this kind of development proposal caught my attention and I immediately felt deeply concerned for our natural spaces. Our natural resources are critical for our public health and tourism and recreation industry in Montana and should be at the forefront of our minds when these kinds of proposals are introduced.

That being said, living in this age means that we need to adapt to the changing times. I do not believe a full on moratorium is realistic long term option for our county. I think that we have the opportunity to introduce thoughtful and logical zoning laws that are backed in science and understand the realities of what a data center looks like in a community. We have the opportunity to capitalize on an industry that would bring much needed funding to our state. In order to do this we need to be taking a hard look at our current zoning policies and determine how we can come up with a realistic compromise to this issue.
We need policies put into place that would protect our aquifer. We would need policies in place that would limit noise pollution. We need policies in lace to limit how close to a water source you can place new development. We need to be proactive about what we want our community to look like.
Missoula county has the opportunity to do this the right way and be proactive about how we want to happen in our county. This opportunity could also be an example for smaller more rural areas where local voices may not be heard. Addressing this issue in a proactive, reasonable, and thoughtful way could be what prevents another community in our state from being negatively impacted by a data center that does not take into consideration wastewater, noise, energy demands, etc.
A moratorium while appealing as it sounds does not seem like a suitable long term solution for our community or our state. We must be honest with ourselves, our current funding situation state wide, and the reality of what technology use in the future really looks like. This is not going away any time soon so why not create policies that bring in money to our schools and communities, protect our resources, and prevent future development not aligned with our values.

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Montana's greatest assets are its clean water, open landscapes, wildlife, and quality of life—not massive industrial data centers. Once we allow projects like this, we set a precedent that threatens the very things that make Montana special. Our state should not become a sacrifice zone for energy-hungry development that primarily benefits out-of-state corporations. No data centers in Bonner. No data centers in Montana. Period.

The public you represent is pleading that you do not give Krambu a special exemption permit, please listen.

These billion dollar companies, working through contractors, lie through their teeth just long enough to break ground. They don't care about punishment or fines, they have the funds and there will be no stopping them if you allow this permit. Their unlimited funds will allow them break any regulation. They will tie you up in court, bankrupting the county until you give in. This is happening all over the nation, take stock of these stories and learn from the mistakes.

They certainly don't care about the residents or those of us who consider the Blackfoot to be something of a holy place. I beg of you not to allow this project, it will only have a negative effect on the community. I know you are bound by statues and not morality but sometimes you need to stand up for what's right. Show us that you stand with the people. Don't let your legacy be the destruction of a iconic river. Do what is right- don't hide behind a broken system, it will not save you from the shame. I really hope we can count on you..

I am writing to express my strong concerns regarding the Special Exception request for the proposed Krambu data center at the former Bonner mill site. While the developer argues that the project offers a benefit by adaptively reusing an existing industrial footprint without expanding the physical building size, the unique, continuous operational profile of a modern high-performance data center presents severe, unmitigated impacts that fundamentally conflict with our community's character and public health.

Under Section 11.6.D of the Missoula County Zoning Regulations, a Special Exception must prove that the use will not substantially injure the value of adjoining property and is compatible with the neighborhood. This proposal fails to meet those standards in the following critical areas:

* Continuous Noise and Vibration Impacts (Criteria i):Unlike traditional industrial uses that operate during standard shifts and shut down overnight, data centers run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our current county regulations are explicitly designed for intermittent, fixed sources of noise. They completely fail to account for the relentless, low-frequency, and tonal hum generated by massive cooling infrastructure. This constant, unceasing noise poses a direct threat to the quality of life and property values of nearby residential neighbors.

* Unprecedented Resource Consumption (Criteria c & f):Scaling this facility from an initial 7 MW up to 29 MW represents an immense strain on our regional energy infrastructure. To put this in perspective, a facility of this scale draws a massive share of power compared to entire townships. Furthermore, the continuous water requirements for cooling can severely impact local water quantity and quality through thermal discharge, a risk that our existing, crypto-focused zoning guidelines are entirely insufficient to regulate.

* Air Quality and Public Health Risks (Criteria i):Because data centers require 100% continuous uptime, they rely heavily on large-scale industrial backup diesel generators to sustain their full operating load during grid interruptions. These generators emit concentrated nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter. Introducing acute, localized air pollution into the Bonner area is an unacceptable risk to community health.

The burden to demonstrate compliance with these criteria falls squarely on the applicant, not on the County. The fact that Krambu has submitted five separate applications that have all been deemed insufficient by county planning staff proves that the developer cannot adequately mitigate these 24/7 environmental stressors.

Missoula County is currently considering an interim zoning pause because our current regulations leave massive gaps regarding modern data center scale, water consumption, and backup generation. Moving forward with this project before those robust, protective guidelines are firmly established would place an irreversible burden on the Bonner community.

I urge the Board to deny this Special Exception. The minor benefit of filling an empty building does not outweigh the severe, continuous, and unmitigated impacts on Bonner's air, water, and neighborhood peace.

I was born in Missoula. I was gone for many years from Montana and moved back in the year 2000. Since then I have lived all over this great state. This country is my heart beat. The rivers, the mountains, the lakes, the wide open spaces. I demand a moratorium on all data centers and especially the Bonner Mill site. I demand a stop to all development as it pertains to AI, data centers, and anything related to our natural resources and this industry. This industry is a scam and disastrous for our planet. Not my beautiful world view. No way, no how! HANDS OF MONTANA!

I strongly oppose any AI data center in or near Missoula. It would negatively affect the citizens and natural resources. MT is already facing an increase in wildfires and incredibly dry winters; we can’t waste more water, especially for a data center that is not necessary. Furthermore, it is well documented that data centers create massive amounts of noise pollution, 24 hours a day. This would directly impact the quality of life of many Missoula residents. There is no benefit to have a data center here. Please say no to data centers! They would create irreparable harm to Missoula, when we should be working to improve it.

I strongly oppose the proposed data center at 9314 Bonner Miller Road. I live in the local vicinity of the project and the amount of noise expected from this site will negatively affect my life and my community. Along with its associated pressure on local natural resources (water) and sequent pressure on our local energy supply, WE the people of Missoula are sure to foot the bill so an out of state corporation profits. We must preserve our natural resources, especially our water. This development would do irreparable harm. Please don't let big corporations rule our state. Thank you.

Our own Montana state constitution guarantees us inalienable rights that directly contradict with this data center.

Article II, Section 3 guarantees a clean and healthy environment as an inalienable right.

Article XI, Section 1 declares that “the state and each person shall maintain and improve” the environment.”

Article IX, Section 3 states “waters within the boundaries of the state are the property of the state for the use of its people.”

This right protects our access to public rivers and streams in Montana.

In short, it safeguards Montana’s air, water, public lands, and our access to public lands and waters for generations to come.
Translation: reject the data center or you will be violating our constitutional rights. (Info source: Montana conservation voters)

I oppose the data center due to the negative impact on the surrounding community. Schools, natural resources, and public utilities should be fiercely protected by members of this board when considering land use. This data center does not align with our community values.

I strongly oppose the proposed data center at 9314 Bonner Miller Road. We must preserve our natural resources, especially our water. This development would do irreparable harm. Please don't let big corporations rule our state. Thank you.

I appreciate that County staff have continued to require additional information before determining the application is complete. Given the unique characteristics of modern AI data centers, a complete application should include sufficient technical information to allow both the public and MCCLUB to fully evaluate whether the applicant has met every required Special Exception criterion.

The zoning regulations clearly state that the burden of demonstrating compliance rests with the applicant. It should not fall to County staff, MCCLUB, or members of the public to fill gaps in the record or make assumptions regarding potential impacts.

I encourage MCCLUB to require objective, project-specific evidence demonstrating compatibility with surrounding properties and addressing all applicable review criteria, including:

• Long-term electrical demand and future expansion plans.
• Water use under all anticipated operating conditions.
• Backup power generation, fuel storage, emissions, and testing schedules.
• Continuous operational noise, including low-frequency noise, and proposed mitigation.
• Heat generation and any potential impacts on surrounding properties.
• Cumulative impacts associated with future expansion beyond the initial 7 MW phase.
• Demonstration that the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area and will not substantially injure adjoining property values.

Because this is the first proposal of its kind in Missoula County, I believe the application should establish a high standard of technical completeness before any public hearing is scheduled.

Wild, I see that bots have been sic'd on this forum meant for the public to leave feedback in attempt to badger and silence actual voices with the spam. That's just hurting their case in the long run. Should outright ban this data center. Despite what Mike says there is no right way to do it, and it absolutely does not belong in our community. Absolutely absurd. Of all the things that could be built it's never a question of "what can we do to improve bonner milltown" it's "how can I make the most money, damn the consequences and people that live here" that's how it's starting to feel with all these people building things we do not need nor want.

Vote no on the proposed Data Center in Bonner!! It is absolutely outrageous to put a data center on the Blackfoot River and nearly at the confluence of the two most treasured rivers in the state of Montana. The environmental impacts are irreversible. I grew up on the banks of the Blackfoot and I don’t want to see my home be destroyed by a data center. The Blackfoot is more precious than gold, and it’s not worth risking that for something so worthless. They already spent so much time restoring this area from the dam and mill impacts, I would hate to see that be reversed.

The data center in Bonner would do irreparable damage to our already struggling waterways. Do the job you've been chosen to do, protect the people. Every day there is another research paper published on. The unsustainability, the harm to wildlife, the absolute destruction of fresh water, and the damaging effects on humans. Did MT not learn anything from the Anaconda superfund? The generations of health problems...Here comes a Bonner superfund with your names written in the blood of residents.

The proposed site is across the street from the *only* school in Bonner. Families with children ranging in ages 4-14 have no other public school option in the district. This means that if the center is built, over 300+ students and their families will be forced (not choosing, but forced) to be in extremely close proximity to this massive facility that has known negative effects. This is outrageous to even consider doing in this location. Please consider that there is no way to protect anyone, including hundreds of children, from this monstrosity unless it is rejected. Thank you.

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Vote no on the purposed data center in Bonner MT.
It seems obvious that there has been no consideration for the negative effects that data centers bring to any community. There should be strong regulations on data centers regarding how close they can be to residential areas, and how to prevent them from damaging the environment.
How is this going to effect the school in Bonner right across the street? What will this do the to Blackfoot river?
What oversight will there be so that the river isn't contaminated? Who will make sure the noise pollution doesn't effect the surrounding community? What are the purposed long term benefits to Montana residents?

This is the dumbest idea. MT has a water shortage every year. Fire seasons only get worse, but you’re proposing a data center in Bonner- using fire suppression water? Really? NO! Stand up for the people of Missoula- and not big tech companies wanting to exploit our state, country and water

In its fifth Special Exception Application to Missoula County, Krambu states that it intends to comply with the renewable energy sourcing requirement. It states that the way it intends to comply is a topic of ongoing discussion. The only way Krambu can fully comply with the County resolution and its intent is to supply to the regional grid the same number of MWh of renewable energy that it extracts for its data center operation. That is, if 7 MW is utilized for a year, then Krambu must annually replace 61,320 MWh of renewable energy (wind, solar, or geothermal) to the regional grid.