Data Centers Have Outgrown Their Shoes
Data centers were never a topic of conversation when they were no bigger than that Super Target everyone is boycotting right now. Now it seems to be in all the local news headlines, and the talk of the community in Apple Valley with one being proposed and under consideration by the Apple Valley Planning Commission. Unfortunately, the news is big because data centers are big - the data centers being built today are hyper scale in size - typically 800,000 sf and larger. The equipment housed in these buildings require certain constant temperatures and humidity to function properly, therefore a significant number of backup generators are installed in case of power outage, usually diesel versions. Diesel generators are known to produce emissions and noise that could impact surrounding businesses and neighborhoods. With footprints upwards of 1 million square feet, data centers have outgrown their shoes. They do not belong outside of districts zoned Industrial.
Put Our Money Where Our Natural Resources Are
Natural Resources got the short straw in the 2025 budget cycle. At 0.6% of the total City portion of our property tax bill, the Natural Resources Department is hardly a blip in the City budget. 79% of survey respondents believe Natural Resources should be a priority - but the budget doesn’t prioritize Natural Resources. Why?
Water Rush
First a gold rush, then an oil rush - is a water rush next? Travel through Minnesota and you’ll notice there is plenty of water around here. The problem is much of it is impaired or at risk from runoff, development, and over usage. Compounding those issues are the climate-related weather chaos that we are experiencing. Too much rain at too much volume in the Spring, followed by too little during the growing season, is a nightmare to manage - stormwater infrastructure and water resource management face challenges in our changing climate.
State, County, and local government agencies have been hard at work to address these impacts and plan for resiliency.
Rewilding Wildwood
Local Wildwood Park got some TLC by AVEA members over a couple of seasons. Buckthorn had taken over and practically hid the tennis courts from view! The AVEA crew got busy bustin’ the buckthorn, then beautified the border with native plants purchased by the City of Apple Valley.
What a difference a volunteer group can make! Oh look - tennis courts!
Roseville Reducing Single-Use Plastic
Roseville just joined the ranks of MN cities requiring takeout containers to be recyclable or compostable. They’re doing their part to reduce single-use plastics in the trash, filling up our landfills! Apple Valley needs to do this!
BTW, the AV Lunds & Byerly’s has used 100% BPI compostables in their deli since they opened. Look for BPI-certified containers and utensils, the kind Dakota County accepts for composting.
Franchise Fees for Sustainability
Prioritizing environment and natural resources: Eagan is using energy franchise fees to fund sustainability efforts. Burnsville’s sustainability coordinator brought in multiple times her salary in grant funding in her first 9 months on the job as she helped the city work toward climate plan goals!
Comparison of Local City Sustainability Practices
Reading about what other cities are doing to protect our planet and its natural resources made me wonder what my city is doing. The chart shows how Apple Valley compares to its neighbors.
Earth Day 2024: Where there is action, there is hope
Guest columnist - Earth Day 2024: Where there is action, there is hope by Susan Wehrenberg Special to Sun Thisweek Dakota County Tribune