Apple Valley Eco Advocates applaud the recent City Council vote against the zoning change that was a necessary precursor for a hyperscale data center development at Orchard Place. While it seems unlikely a hyperscale data center will be built in Apple Valley, numerous other communities are facing a surge of hyperscale data center projects coming to their area.

The impacts of hyperscale data centers are well documented - environmental impacts and utility rate increases being the top concerns. Calls are growing for a moratorium on new hyperscale data center developments until more regulations are in place to protect Minnesota’s natural resources and the Minnesota ratepayers.

It’s Precinct Caucus week and you can help amplify that call on Tuesday February 3rd! AVEA is non-partisan, and we encourage all residents to participate in their local precinct caucus (find your precinct caucus here: https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/how-elections-work/precinct-caucuses/).

We even drafted up some resolutions to make it easy - download whichever version aligns with your political affiliation. Happy legislative season!

DFL Hyperscale Data Center Resolution

GOP Hyperscale Data Center Resolution

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=