The Greene County supervisors took a first look at their Nov. 17 meeting at a proposed amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance dealing with cryptocurrency mining centers and data centers.
The proposal was prompted by the interest of Simple Mining in building a digital mining and data center between Jefferson and Scranton.
County attorney Thomas Laehn drafted the amendment and presented it for the board’s consideration. In the simplest terms, digital mining involves using computerized or digital devices or systems that run 24/7 for various purposes. Simple Mining is proposing structures similar to shipping containers
The proposed ordinance creates setback distances from the property and/or structure, decibel levels, electrical and water usage, emergency plan protocols and a decommissioning plan.
Per the amendment, data centers and cryptocurrency mining centers are prohibited except as a permitted conditional use in agricultural districts, commercial districts, industrial districts, and mineral extraction districts. The total area inside the fence or wall surrounding such a facility (a fence or wall is required in the site plan) cannot exceed 40 acres.
Setback distances are 75 ft from property lines; 1,000 feet from human dwellings; 75 feet from right-of-way lines, including future right-of-way lines if known at the time of the application; 150 feet from wildlife management areas and state recreation areas; 500 feet from buildings; and 150 feet from cemeteries.
The project site plan must include an estimate of the annual water consumption for the site and a statement naming the intended source. If water usage is anticipated to exceed 15,000 gallons per month, the applicant must provide documentation from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources affirming there is sufficient water to meet the need. Additionally, a public drainage system protection agreement between the applicant and the trustees of every affected drainage district must be submitted with the application for a conditional use permit.
Additionally, the applicant must provide written verification from the power provider at the proposed facility that electrical infrastructure at the facility is adequate to meet the needs safely.
The noise generated by the facility cannot exceed a continuous sound level of 65 decibels as measured from any point on the property line.
The application for the conditional use permit must also include a decommissioning plan. If the facility is abandoned, the county may remove it and assess the costs against the owner in the same manner as a property tax. A public hearing on the proposed amendment is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1, during the supervisors’ regular meeting.
