A large industrial proposal is taking shape on the south shore of Great Salt Lake – one that could reshape Tooele Valley’s water future, local land use, and the lake’s fragile ecosystem. Here’s a breakdown of what’s actually being planned, why it matters, and where residents can step in.
The Project Taking Shape in Tooele Valley
Developer Chuck Akerlow is pursuing a large industrial complex anchored by a 500-megawatt data center, along with a truck stop and other industrial facilities. The scale of the proposal raises concerns because data centers are extremely water-intensive, and the site sits directly within the Great Salt Lake basin.
One of the most controversial components is water: The project requires a state permit to discharge up to 250,000 gallons per day of salt-heavy wastewater into wetlands that drain directly to Gilbert Bay of Great Salt Lake.
Why the Proposal Raises Red Flags
Tooele County’s groundwater is already over-allocated under a state-mandated groundwater management plan. Residents worry that additional industrial pumping could push domestic wells toward running dry or turning brackish.
At the same time, Great Salt Lake is in crisis. Lower inflows and new pollution sources could accelerate shrinking lake levels, toxic dust storms from exposed lakebed, PFAS contamination from data-center cooling flush water, and habitat loss for millions of migratory birds.
Even “closed-loop” cooling systems require periodic flushing, and that flush water can contain PFAS – chemicals that do not break down in the environment.
The Key Players Behind the Decision Making
Currently, several agencies are shaping the project’s future:
The UIPA is providing the tax breaks, low-cost financing, and bond support that underpin the project’s financial viability. Arkerlow has said publicly the development wouldn’t be possible without UIPA’s incentives.
Public records show he didn’t just accept these incentives, but he actively lobbied UIPA officials, urging them to move quickly so Tooele wouldn’t “lose out” to other communities seeking the same state financing.
- Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ) – reviewing the wastewater discharge permit
- Tooele County
Tooele County remains the most decisive actor. The County Council and Planning Commission control zoning and land-use approvals, meaning they can block, reshape, or impose strict standards on the project regardless of state incentives or permits.
Where the Process Stands Today
DWQ held a public hearing on the wastewater permit. The first, on July 27, drew hundreds of residents and only two speakers in favor. The agency is still reviewing public comments and has not issued a final decision.
Meanwhile, Utahns submitted a letter urging UIPA to adopt a policy against financing data centers in the Great Salt Lake basin.
At the local level, on August 12 the Tooele County Planning Commission took public comment on a new Chapter 34 data center ordinance, a crucial step that will determine what standards data centers must meet before they can be approved. This is one of the strongest leverage points residents currently have.
At the same meeting, the planning commission also took comment from residents opposed to approval of 2 plat subdivisions for Chuck Ackerlow’s project. In particular, concerns were raised about the impacts of dramatically increased traffic. The majority of planning commissioners agreed and voted to table the approval pending a review of the traffic study.
On Tuesday, Aug 18, the Tooele County Council will discuss the traffic study. Community members can provide public comment at the beginning of the meeting and should urge a robust independent analysis.
How You Can Help
- Attend the Tooele County Council meeting (Tooele County Council Chambers, 47 S. Main St, Tooele) TONIGHT, Aug 18 at 6 pm. Attend in person if you can, and sign up to speak during public comment, even just for two minutes, asking the Council to commit to the five points mentioned here.
- Submit written comment! It joins the official record even if you can’t attend in person.
- For Tooele County residents: Contact your County/City Council directly.
