ECT supported a data center developer in evaluating a 200-acre site in Wisconsin, where potential water and permitting constraints presented significant challenges to project feasibility. ECT assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts to guide the client through complex environmental, regulatory, and infrastructure considerations, such as various crossings for roadways and power lines. The team conducted comprehensive due diligence, including wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species assessments, cultural resource surveys, and stormwater and wastewater feasibility evaluations.
As site data was collected, ECT identified critical stormwater management concerns, including mismatched culvert designs, armored ditches, and potential flooding risks associated with adjacent city-owned property. During the assessments, the city began constructing public amenities on portions of the land, creating an evolving site context that required adaptive analysis and real-time coordination. Recognizing limited opportunities for water discharge, ECT evaluated multiple water management strategies and conducted feasibility analyses for surface water discharge and water quality compliance. The firm also completed preliminary emissions calculations for up to 200 diesel-fired emergency generators capable of producing 400–580 megawatts, clarifying applicable air permitting requirements under Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) regulations.
Throughout the project, ECT engaged with regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and WDNR, to confirm permitting thresholds and interpretations. Through this proactive and consultative approach, ECT provided the client with a clear understanding of the site’s environmental and permitting risks. Ultimately, ECT’s findings empowered the client to make a strategic, well-informed development decision.