Data centers are known for their enormous consumption of electricity and significant demands on local infrastructure (Uptime Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory). This is especially concerning for the residents of Holyoke, where the proposed data center at 100 Water Street could strain the community’s resources. Water resources, which communities depend on for drinking and other essential needs, could be at risk due to the substantial quantities of water needed for data center cooling systems (EPA data centers water use, USGS water resources). A large facility can use millions of gallons per day in some cases depending on design and scale, drawing from municipal supplies, and much of that water is not returned to the system due to evaporation in cooling processes (EPA data centers water use, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory). When supply is reduced or heavily diverted, communities can face shortages, higher costs, and increased reliance on less reliable or lower-quality sources (USGS water resources). Over time, that can strain public health systems, especially during droughts or peak demand periods (USGS water resources).

Another problem is that air pollution from upwind industrial regions can be transported into western Massachusetts by prevailing winds, and valley geography can trap pollutants during certain weather conditions (NOAA Air Resources, MassDEP Air Quality). Adding additional emissions sources such as diesel backup generators or increased power plant demand linked to large facilities can increase nitrogen oxides and fine particles, which contribute to smog formation (EPA Air Research, NOAA Air Resources). In a valley setting, this combination can increase the frequency of unhealthy air days and intensify respiratory risk for residents in Holyoke and surrounding towns (EPA Air Research, MassDEP Air Quality).

For such a large expense, many questions still go unanswered. Who are the intended customers of this facility, and what level of water, energy, and computing resources have been projected for those customers, and how will this benefit the community of Holyoke?

I personally don’t think the risk is worth the reward (which won’t benefit the residents of Holyoke in the long term)

Please sign this petition to protect Holyoke's natural resources and uphold our community’s values.