The Webster County Commission has hired outside counsel to explore legal options, including the potential for a moratorium based on noise pollution ordinances.

 Lumon Solutions LLC is proceeding with its 5-acre high-performance computing research facility *data center) on Rifle Range Road north of Marshfield, asserting that the project is lawful and compliant with existing Webster County regulations, which currently lack specific zoning prohibitions for such developments.

Key details regarding the project and opposition include:

Project Specifications: The developer describes the site as a small facility with seven to eight modular buildings totaling roughly 7,000 square feet, requiring 10 megawatts of power and using less than 5 gallons of water per day via a closed-loop cooling system. 

Economic Impact: The company estimates the project will generate approximately $500,000 annually in sales tax revenue for Webster County. 

County Actions: The Commission has contacted federal and state regulatory agencies, including the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and visited a data center in McDonald County to assess potential impacts. 

Marshfield City Status: Separately, the City of Marshfield passed an ordinance in April requiring data centers to be in I-2 Heavy Industrial zones with a conditional use permit; a different developer (SWARM) indicated they may have withdrawn interest in a George Street site due to these stricter local regulations.

AI generated response.  For full details see:   https://search.brave.com/search?q=results+of+meeting+for+prospective+data+center+in+marshfiekd%2C+mo&source=desktop&summary=1&conversation=091f4f5ac8e0244fb09e7a75dc49f410b388#:~:text=Key%20details%20regarding,stricter%20local%20regulations.

Kathryn Vickerman

State Assistant

Missouri 8