Beacon AI Data Centre Proposal Concerns



1. I am concerned that I did not see anything in the project documentation (Initial Project Description Summary) about whether the utilization or recovery of waste heat was or is being considered in this project.
2. I am concerned about the potable water usage involved in this project. Water is a critical resource for community members and native ecosystems in the area (including flora and fauna). Table 4.4.1 (Initial Project Description Summary) attempts to addresses this issue with a response that because the proponent has an approved permit for 1,500,000 liters daily use of potable water, that the concern is addressed. I do not believe that addresses the concern just because air-cooled, closed-loop cooling was selected over water-based systems to reduce water use- that is still a significant amount of water being used and should not be downplayed.
3. I am concerned about this projects impact on wildlife. The absence of comprehensive evidence for understanding total displacement effects on wildlife raises concern for species conservation. Within a biological context, displacement could mean attraction or avoidance. Some species have little information available through underdeveloped research regarding population dynamics or habitat use, making it difficult to predict how they will respond to new disturbances. Without a robust understanding of baseline behavior, movement patterns, and ecological requirements, even subtle shifts in habitat selection could have cascading effects on reproduction, survival, and long‑term population viability. I am concerned that the information available for a number of our species at this time is too limited to begin to understand how this project could effectively manage or mitigate these risks. Further investment in research or support for further research should be provided by the proponent.
4. I am concerned about the omission of data from the proponent. During the field surveys, several provincially listed Sensitive bird species were recorded- the exact species were not mentioned in the Initial Project Description Summary which is concerning. Why was this information not shared?