Google Data Center Faces Backlash Over Plans to Pave Wetlands

A $2 billion hyperscale data center project in Fort Wayne, Indiana is facing criticism over plans to pave over four acres of federally protected wetlands. The project, 'Project Zodiac,' is being developed by Hatchworks LLC for Google.

The application submitted by Hatchworks to purchase the land includes a proposal to fill in 2.13 acres of forested wetland, which would be used to build three new buildings and infrastructure. This would leave about 2.13 acres untouched.

Hatchworks claims it's impossible to avoid damaging the marshland due to design constraints, stating that meeting project purposes without impacts to the woodlot is 'not feasible.'

The proposal will go to a virtual public hearing before being approved, with an anticipated start date of September 14. The previous phases of the Google campus are already completed.