Source: Fortune
Summary
Wyoming officials say Meta’s data center construction is responsible for contaminating part of Cheyenne’s recycled water system with a rare bacterium, Cupriavidus gilardii. The bacterium was found in the city’s wastewater treatment facility and was traced to Meta’s contractor, Goat Systems LLC. The contamination did not affect the drinking water supply, but the city’s reclaimed water irrigation program was temporarily suspended. Meta is supporting its contractor in resolving the issue and has committed to protecting local water resources.
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The announcement sounds familiar.
Meta’s data center construction is linked to water contamination in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The company’s contractor, Goat Systems LLC, is responsible for the contamination, which was discovered during routine testing in February. The city’s Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) suspended the reclaimed water irrigation program and terminated Meta’s discharge privileges. Meta is supporting its contractor in resolving the issue and has committed to protecting local water resources. The incident is classified as “significant non-compliance with federal pretreatment regulations.” The company’s efforts to resolve the issue are being closely watched, given the growing concerns about data center construction and its environmental impact.
The numbers tell one story, but the narrative of “being a good neighbor” is another.
Author: Evan Null
