‘Nodaway Says No’: Residents attend meeting to discuss proposed AI Data Center

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Over a hundred residents gathered in Nodaway County to learn more about a proposed hyperscale AI data center, with concerns ranging from cattle health, soil contamination, waste, health impacts and more.

The meeting, organized by livestock producer Tim Schafer, brought together farmers, health officials, and concerned parents united by a common goal, learning more about data centers and what they can do to protest the facility being proposed along US 71, about 10 miles south of Maryville.

Many concerns came from farmers, who fear for their land and cattle, as the centers could cause health detriments to their livestock and ruin soil.

Schafer said he never saw himself taking up this position, but found himself wary of the proposed data center.

“When you’re taking up the amount of farm ground that they’re going to basically ruin by putting a building and, you know, decimating all the trees and wildlife that are in that section, it’s not a good thing as far as we see,” Schafer said.

Another purpose of the meeting was to let local elected officials know residents’ thoughts on the proposed center, urging transparency on the situation.

“Let them know what we’re trying to do, to get our commissioners to just take a pause, do a moratorium if we can get that done, and take a look at a lot more things than what they have, as far as we know right now,” Schafer said.

A heated exchange took place when Nodaway County South District Commissioner Scott Walk took the microphone and said, “I’m not for or against the data center,” citing personal accounts from data center owners that were neither positive nor negative.

The statement caused ripples through the audience, with some accusing him of not doing enough research.

Others pulled up research of their own on the negative impacts of data centers, including one individual who recited a Harvard study on health impacts for those who live near the centers.

Several people who had worked or lived near data centers also stepped up to share how the facilities had negatively affected their lives.

While many audience members live in Nodaway County, others came from beyond.

Veronica Hupp, a Buchanan County resident, said St. Joseph might be on the list for a new data center. She said she fears for her grandchildren’s futures.

“We’ll be fighting the same fight down the highway,” Hupp said. “But that’s the reason I’m here today, is for my grandchildren and my daughter and my son-in-law, because they are residents of Maryville. Very scared for their futures. Children are precious. And just from the things that I’m hearing from AI data centers and other cities, the noise that affects animals, people... It’s a serious issue. Not to mention, we don’t know what’s going to happen as far as the waste.”

While there are still many unknowns about the center, for both residents and county officials, many are adamantly against the proposition.

The ‘Nodaway Says No’ organization will hold another public meeting on Tuesday, May 26th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Maryville Community Center.