Public comment period for proposed data center in Richland County

RICHLAND COUNTY, Mont. - A public comment period is in place through June 15 for a proposed data center in Richland County, according to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The company seeking the permit has been listed as NYDIG DFM LLC, described as a bitcoin-mining firm on its website. 

The DEQ has indicated its plans to award NYDIG the permit.

A draft environmental assessment available from the DEQ says the company "has applied for a MAQP under the Clean Air Act of Montana to construct and operate eight 2,500 brake-horsepower engines consuming well pad field gas to power a data center." 

Residents can submit comments related to potential environmental impacts ahead of the permit's official issue. 

Comments can be submitted to the DEQ online