Why There’s Anger Over Proposed Amazon Data Center
Why There’s Anger Over Proposed Amazon Data Center in New Carlisle
NEW CARLISLE, Ind.–The expansion of Amazon is western St. Joseph County is a concern to many people who live there, some of whom showed up at a hearing hosted Wednesday afternoon at New Prairie High School in New Carlisle.
“We do not know what environment effects the currently developing Amazon complex will have once completed,” said Karen Kazmierzak, one of the people who showed up to speak.
The event was hosted by the Indiana Dept. of Environmental Management.
Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, controlling floods and providing wildlife habitat,” she said. “Once acre of wetland can hold up to one million gallons of water. When excessive rains fall, the wetland sponge absorbs runoff and mitigates flooding.”
Others who showed took a more political angle in objecting to more development.
“This mindless destruction of one of the few remaining wetlands in this state at the behest of Bezos…has to stop,” said John Hamilton.
The proposed data center would affect about 10 acres of land and water, including several streams and “ditches”, according to the IDEM, with installation of the center itself and all associated utilities.
It is unclear if the IDEM will respond to the public comments.
