What to know about Google's plans for wetlands in Fort Wayne

“When you just take a quarter acre here and a quarter acre there, over and over again, it adds up. So to me, you have to resist that loss. Every single time somebody wants to do it.” -Bruce Kingsbury, Director of Purdue Fort Wayne’s Environmental Resources Center (ERC) and Professor of Biology.

Google is entering Phase 2 of its massive data center buildout in Southeast Allen County. This is bringing up some concerns about its impact on local water systems, specifically wetlands.

• Last week, Google sought approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to build on about 2.47 acres of wetlands, including some that are protected in the state of Indiana.
• Quick note: you have until Sept. 11 to submit comments about Google’s proposal to IDEM’s Project Manager Evan White at EVWhite@IDEM.IN.Gov or 317-671-6698. With enough comments, IDEM might host a public hearing. 

So what’s the big picture of Google’s ask, and how might it affect the local environment and your water bill?

We contacted IDEM for more information, and they said they’re not taking interviews on the topic, but: “Wetland determinations are made in accordance with Indiana’s State Regulated Wetland Law…. If any potential permitting discrepancies are raised during the public comment period, IDEM will thoroughly evaluate and address them before making a final decision.”