Cheyenne Bans Data Center Wastewater After Meta Contractor Biohazard

The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities (BOPU) has permanently revoked the industrial discharge privileges of Goat Systems LLC and banned all data centers from using municipal sewers for fill-and-flush or closed-loop cooling wastewater. The decision follows the discovery of Cupriavidus gilardii, a rare, multidrug-resistant bacterium, in the city's recycled water system.

Meta Platforms Inc. is developing an 800 million dollar AI data center campus in Cheyenne, where the contamination occurred during a fill-and-flush operation to clear cooling pipes. Although the bacteria did not enter the public drinking supply, it contaminated water used for irrigating parks and golf courses. Due to aerosolization risks, the city suspended its reclaimed water program and spent two months disinfecting the reuse system and Prairie View Pond.

While generally harmless to healthy people, the bacterium can cause severe pneumonia and bloodstream infections, potentially leading to death in immunocompromised individuals. Following the discovery, Meta's general contractor, Fortis, stopped discharging industrial wastewater and began hauling it offsite.

Local officials expressed frustration over the incident, with Mayor Patrick Collins stating it was a disappointment. Meta maintains it is committed to being a good neighbor and is working with Fortis to resolve the situation. No infections have been reported to date.