WATER Pollution Ordinance Language JACKSON County Iowa

Section 7. Cooling Systems & Water Use

The purpose of this section is to address land use impacts associated with cooling systems and water use, including compatibility with surrounding properties, protection of groundwater and surface water resources, and site suitability for High-Density Computing Facilities. This section is intended to establish land use

standards and coordination requirements only. Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede, duplicate, or replace the authority of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or any other agency having jurisdiction over water withdrawal, discharge, wastewater, or related permitting requirements.

A. Required Cooling Technology

All High-Density Computing Facilities (HDCFs) shall utilize air-cooled or closed-loop cooling systems. Open-loop, once-through, or water-consumptive cooling systems are prohibited. This requirement applies to all primary and auxiliary cooling equipment serving computing, electrical, or energy storage components of the facility.

B. Limited Exception (Board of Adjustment Discretion)

• The Board of Adjustment may consider an alternative cooling technology only if the applicant submits a certified engineering report demonstrating that the proposed system:
• Does not withdraw groundwater or surface water.
• Results in no net consumptive water loss.
• Does not increase risk to aquifers, private wells, or hydrologically sensitive features.
• Complies with all applicable Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) water-use and discharge requirements.
• Any approval of an alternative cooling system shall require written Findings of Fact and may include conditions of approval.