pages: CityCouncil/2019-05-07.pdf, 16
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CityCouncil | 2019-05-07 | 16 | Councilmember Vella stated that she has outstanding questions; expressed concern over environmental impacts and terms of the lease. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft inquired whether Councilmember Vella could be in support of the item. Councilmember Vella responded that she potentially could be. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated continuing the discussion is worthwhile; applicants have had a chance to see the letter Council received from the Alameda Sierra Club; that she would like answers to the questions raised, specifically the data center requiring constant cooling and the impact of warming waters contributing to toxic algae blooms; noted the United Nations report of the dramatic decline of biodiversity; stated the environmental issues have been raised by Council in closed session. Jim Connaughton, Nautilus Data Technologies, stated Nautilus was founded to be a solution to a very bad problem; the objective is to dramatically contribute to the abatement of greenhouse gasses, the reduction of air pollution and provide a technology solution that will eliminate the common consumption of water in data centers; the objective of the project is to provide a significant environmental benefit; outlined the rigorous regulatory review process efforts in Stockton; stated that he has provided the permits to Council. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she requested the permits, but they are voluminous; she would have appreciated having the opportunity to review the permits prior to the meeting to allow for an informed decision to be made. Mr. Connaughton stated the permits, while voluminous, regulation board's conclusions are notated, along with the determination of environmental benefits, and lack of any significant adverse impact. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft outlined a letter and findings from the Alameda Sierra Club; stated there are significant differences between Alameda and Stockton. Mr. Connaughton stated that he welcomes the engagement from the Sierra Club; technical and modeling work must be completed; noted adverse effects do not align with the project goals and objectives; outlined regional board regulators and thermal discharge leaving the facility. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft outlined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) findings related to toxic algae; stated toxic algae blooms are not something the City would like to foster. Mr. Connaughton stated Nautilus does not want to foster toxic algae; the State regulators would not want to approve a project that contributes to toxic algae; the lease is expressly conditioned on Nautilus going through the regulatory process, getting Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 7, 2019 15 | CityCouncil/2019-05-07.pdf |