Microsoft Columbia Data Center, Quincy
Air quality notice of construction application
Dec. 30, 2024, 12 a.m. - Feb. 4, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PT
We propose to approve Microsoft Columbia Data Center’s air quality notice of construction (NOC) application.
Microsoft Corporation – Columbia Data Center requested to update their existing air permit:
- Match current operations related to yearly load averages
- Run more generators in bypass mode — 5 generators instead of 2, but for a shorter amount of time
Short-term increases of emissions and modeling of emissions from nonroad engines were evaluated. There were no increases of annual emissions from this change.
Microsoft Columbia Data Center is located at 501 Port Industrial Parkway, in Quincy.
Documents for review
- Microsoft Columbia Data Center notice of construction (NOC) application
- Microsoft Columbia Data Center draft permit
- Microsoft Columbia Data Center technical support document
We determined this proposal satisfies the requirements of Chapter 173-400 WAC. We plan to approve the application.
Tentative public hearing
(if requested by January 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m.)
Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6 p.m. online
We will hold a public hearing online if there is significant public interest. If we do not receive significant written requests for a public hearing by January 16, 2025, then the online public hearing will be cancelled. We will update this web page cancelling the public hearing or with a link to the public hearing.
To comment by February 4, 2025, use one of the ways listed below.
To find out if there are more records for this project, contact our Public Records Office.
This notice was posted on December 30, 2024.
Background
Data centers, sometimes called server farms, house the servers that manage email, store data, and run computer applications. If you shop on the web or use social media, your information is routed through a data center. Most of the data centers regulated by Ecology are located in Quincy and the Wenatchee area because those areas have dependable, lower cost electricity. Sign up for email updates about data centers.
A notice of construction permit is required before installing a new source of air pollution or modifying an existing source of air pollution. This permit is sometimes called a "pre-construction permit" because a business must have one before starting construction or operating their business.
A notice of construction air permit limits the amount of air pollutants a business can emit.
Comment online
- Use our online comment form
Comment by mail
Washington Department of Ecology Eastern Regional Office
4601 North Monroe Street
Spokane, WA 99205-1295
Questions
Environmental Engineer
509-405-2487
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