Comment sought on Microsoft data center expansion

QUINCY — The state Department of Ecology (DOE) is seeking public comment on an update to an expansion at Microsoft’s data center in Quincy.

Microsoft’s proposed expansion would add an additional 72 emergency backup generators at the company’s Quincy data center. The DOE requires an updated air quality permit for the generators in order to protect locals, as well as the environment.

“Microsoft uses backup generators powered by diesel engines to keep servers functioning in case of power outages. In addition to the new generators, the updated permit includes 136 evaporative cooling towers,” DOE spokesperson Brooke Beeler explained. “The diesel engines and cooling towers release fine particles into the air.”

Because Microsoft’s expansion puts them into a new air permit category, the DOE will be requiring the company to submit an Air Operating Permit application in the year following the installation of the new equipment.

“Ecology required Microsoft to complete a health impact assessment to evaluate the potential health risks from the increased emissions. The assessment found that the data center will meet criteria intended to protect people and the environment if operated according to the permit,” Beeler said.

A public hearing on the air quality permit will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Quincy Community Center, 115 F St. SW. The DOE is accepting comments on the applications through Aug. 31. Comments can be submitted by visiting ac.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=M6jBU or sent through the mail to Jenny Filipy, Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program, 4601 N. Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99205.

The revised permit can be viewed by visiting ecology.wa.gov/Events/AQ/Microsoft-MWH-Data-Center/MWH-Data-Center-comment-08-31-2018 or in person at Quincy City Hall, 115 First Ave. SW and the Quincy Library, 208 Central Ave.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.