Sand Springs Data Center Project on hold
The developer who wants to build a data center in Sand Springs has delayed efforts because residents raised concerns and voiced strong opposition.
Known as Project Spring, the 827-acre data center proposed by White Rose Partners is temporarily on hold as Sand Springs city officials wait for more information. City Manager Mike Carter told Fox 23 News the project had been scheduled for consideration at the Dec. 3 city council meeting, but the presentation and discussion were postponed when the developer requested a delay.
“We are in a holding pattern, waiting for the developer to give us more information,” Carter said. “They did intend on going forward in December for approval of this. The information that the city needed to make an accurate decision, in the citizens’ best interest, we didn’t have that information. And so we’ve asked them to go back and develop that information and get it to us so our council, the best way possible.”
Residents Raise Environmental and Community Concerns
According to Fox 23 News, the developers listed 12 environmental focus areas tied to community concerns. Those areas include:
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Protecting local character
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Emissions
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Water use
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Groundwater contamination
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Wastewater treatment
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Views
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Wildlife impact
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Fire and life safety
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Noise and vibrations
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Lighting
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Power use and infrastructure
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Roads and traffic
These topics have emerged in multiple data center debates across Oklahoma, but Sand Springs residents have been particularly vocal about water use, noise, and grid impact.
Developer Argues Project Will Bring Major Economic Benefits
While the presentation is delayed, White Rose Partners maintains the data center would deliver what it called “substantial, long-term benefits to Sand Springs.”
The developer stated:
“The project is anticipated to become one of the top taxpayers in Osage County and the City of Sand Springs, generating millions of dollars annually in new revenue for the City, Sand Springs Public Schools, Osage County and Tulsa Tech.”
The firm also said the project would create hundreds of high-skilled construction and operational jobs and emphasized:
“The developer will also pay for major upgrades to local power infrastructure which are needed for a potential data center but will benefit all residents. This ensures a more resilient electrical grid for all residents without cost to the City or its taxpayers.”
City officials now await the revised documentation and environmental assessments before rescheduling the council review.
Read more at Fox 23 News.