The City of Apple Valley is considering a new data center in its plans for the Fischer Mining & Apple Valley Redi-mix site once their lease expires. Dakota County is quickly becoming a hotbed of technology center campuses hosting these hyperscale data centers - known to have significant environmental impacts - with projects built or planned in neighboring areas such as Rosemount, Farmington, Hampton, and Eagan, among others. Here is a website with more information: https://www.datacenterresponsibility.com/

However, businesses rely on data centers in their daily operations. Even you and I contribute to the demand for more global computing power - when we order products on Amazon, binge stream the latest series or influencer content, or use AI to help us write that perfect cover letter. These conveniences come with an environmental cost. Can data centers operate sustainably?

Thankfully, our Planning Commissioners and members of the Public are educating themselves, asking great questions, and making insightful comments. The Public Hearing is still open on the Technology Center action item until the next Planning Commission meeting. Here is a recording of the February 5th meeting in which the Technology Center application action item was opened for a Public Hearing:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLywHxeGU0J-Bgb9U5AyfWPGR8OxH6X3SI&si=70wFV82FViLF17My

Do you have questions or concerns about the hyperscale data center proposed for our community? Contact the Community Develop Director and get your comments on record:

commdev@ci.apple-valley.mn.us

Apple Valley Eco Advocates support the creation of a Sustainability Advisory Committee to focus on issues related to our environment and natural resources - let our elected officials know if you agree!

Here are links to our current advisory committees:

Cemetery Advisory Committee

Economic Development Authority

Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee

Planning Commission

Telecommunications Advisory Committee

Traffic Safety Advisory Committee

Urban Affairs Advisory Committee

Apple Valley has a growing PFAS problem. The consultant hired to study the issue ninths months ago provided their findings to City Council at the March 13th workshop. Two types of PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) as well as radium were measured. At least one toxin impacted each of the 20 wells that serve Apple Valley.

Because 7 of our wells exceed the EPA’s current allowed limit of 4 ppt, the City is blending the well water to dilute the PFAS concentration to meet the current EPA standards - the blend has been tested between 3.2 and 3.9 ppt depending on the specific PFAS tested.

This means if you are drinking untreated tap water, you are ingesting PFAS. A granular activated carbon system (GAC) or a reverse osmosis (RO) system can reduce exposure to PFAS.

The EPA has lowered the limit to 0 in the future. No level of PFAS is safe! 

Read more about the PFAS issue in Apple Valley and see the options the City is weighing at this link:

https://cityofapplevalley.org/DocumentCenter/View/18222/Apple-Valley-Alimagnet-Draft-NRMP?bidId=