Mandatory setbacks for data center buildings, fuel storage, chemical storage, stormwater basins, and wastewater infrastructure from mapped sinkholes, karst features, losing streams, and springs.

A required karst and geologic site investigation by a qualified independent geologist before any application is accepted, including identification of unmapped karst features on and adjacent to the site.

Prohibition on siting in areas of active or high-density sinkhole formation, where subsidence also threatens the structures themselves.

Secondary containment for all fuel and chemical storage, sized and designed for karst terrain, with groundwater monitoring wells around the facility.

Stormwater designs that do not concentrate infiltration near karst features; a pond or basin placed over a sinkhole becomes a direct injection point to the aquifer.

Enormous electrical demand — a single large campus can use as much power as a city — straining the regional grid.

Proof of excess power capacity: applicants must provide documented verification from the serving utility and regional grid operator that at least 150% of the facility's projected peak demand is available as excess capacity — beyond existing committed load — before an application is accepted, so a project cannot be approved on power that does not yet exist or that would be taken from existing customers.

Rate increases for residential and small-business customers when utilities build new generation and transmission to serve data centers (documented in Virginia, Georgia, Ohio, and elsewhere).

New high-voltage transmission lines and substations crossing farms and rural neighborhoods.

Reliability risk: large loads connecting or disconnecting can destabilize local grid segments.

On-site fossil generation (diesel or gas turbines) used as primary or bridge power when grid capacity lags.

Require a backup power plan with operating restrictions, together with a generator testing plan specifying frequency, duration, permitted hours, and neighbor notification.

Underground and overhead line routes must not interfere with non-participating parcels and must be installed at the applicant's expense.

A plan identifying all grid interconnection points must be established and demonstrated suitable before approval.

Proximity to the Dubuque Regional Airport raises specific hazards that require FAA review before local approval.

The airport's heavy presence of student pilots and small general-aviation aircraft, which operate at lower altitudes and are more vulnerable to plume turbulence and visibility hazards.

Structure and crane heights penetrating FAR Part 77 airspace surfaces (FAA Form 7460-1 obstruction review).

Thermal plumes from cooling equipment and generator exhaust creating turbulence hazards for low-flying aircraft (per FAA guidance in AIM 7-6-16).

Steam from exhaust and cooling towers can cause icing on aircraft operating in the vicinity of the site.

Glint and glare from rooftop solar or reflective surfaces affecting pilots on approach.