What’s Being Reviewed
Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is accepting public comments on a wastewater discharge permit through . Developer Related Digital is requesting authorization to release treated wastewater from the facility’s onsite treatment plant into the Saline River.
EGLE acknowledges the permit could allow an increased loading of pollutants
into the river, though any discharge must still comply with environmental regulations. If enough comments request a hearing, EGLE will schedule a public proceeding. Comments can be submitted via the MIEnviro Portal.
How The Treatment Works
The wastewater treatment plant will be located in the northwest section of the data center site and handle sewage from approximately 450 onsite employees. Related Digital projects an average daily flow of 15,750 gallons.
The company selected a central treatment system over alternatives, claiming it delivers advanced treatment
and high quality effluent.
The system includes:
- Flow equalization zone
- Aerobic reactor trickling filter
- Sludge holding tank
- Ultraviolet disinfection
The Economic Argument
Related Digital is emphasizing the economic benefits to justify the project. The company projects 450 permanent onsite jobs, representing a 67% employment increase for the township. Construction alone is expected to create 2,500 jobs, with an additional 1,500 indirect positions afterward.
The data center’s estimated total value has reached approximately $43 billion. Earlier this month, the Saline Township Board of Trustees approved a tax exemption for Oracle America Cloud Services. Oracle received a 50% property tax reduction for 12 years. Even with the abatement, Oracle projects $147 million annually in local property tax revenue.
Community Benefits and Compensation
To offset concerns, the project includes $14 million in community benefits under a court-ordered consent judgment:
- $7 million for Saline area fire services
- $4 million for farmland preservation
- $10 million for Saline Recreation Center improvements
Growing Local Opposition
Despite the economic promises and community funding, the data center faces significant resistance. Residents, environmental advocates, and AI opponents have actively protested the project. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has called for a contested case review of power supply contracts with DTE Energy.
The controversy has intensified local politics. Two elected officials have already resigned, citing threats and recall efforts from angry constituents. The emotional temperature in Saline Township remains heated as construction continues on the 250-acre facility site.
EGLE will review all comments submitted by August 24 and determine whether sufficient public interest exists to warrant a formal hearing. If scheduled, that hearing would provide another opportunity for residents to voice concerns. Construction on the data center continues regardless of the permit decision, though the wastewater approval remains a critical regulatory milestone for full operational capacity.
The data center represents a collision between two forces: the enormous economic and employment appeal of major tech infrastructure, and legitimate community concerns about environmental impact and quality of life. How Michigan regulators handle the permit will signal whether projects of this scale can move forward with local support, or whether they’ll proceed despite it.
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