Paddock Asks IDEM to Apply Strict Standards to Google Wetlands Request

Fort Wayne City Councilman Geoff Paddock is calling on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to apply strict environmental and permit review standards to Google's wetlands change request.

The data center, valued at $2 billion, is operational with ongoing construction in southeast Fort Wayne. Paddock cites concerns from constituents about environmental disruption and deviations from standard systems.

Google is requesting permits to fill 2.13 acres of forested, Class II isolated wetlands with earthen fill to expand the campus.

Paddock notes that the wetlands issue was not discussed during the rezoning process in late 2023, which approved the property's rezoning for development.