How MDC can help
MDC has no regulatory authority over data center development decisions, but the department welcomes the opportunity to help assess how the project might affect Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources. MDC is available to review proposed project areas and descriptions and provide science-based guidance and technical assistance to help minimize potential impacts on fish, forests, and wildlife.
Because these facilities vary widely in size, design, and location, their environmental impacts — such as noise, habitat loss, and changes to nearby waterways — must be evaluated on a project-specific basis.
Natural Heritage Review process
MDC provides technical assistance for projects through the Natural Heritage Review process. Project areas and descriptions can be sent to MDC through the public-facing Natural Heritage Review website.
The website generates an automatic level designation report identifying the project as:
- Level 1: No records identified;
- Level 2: State Listed Endangered Species and/or Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist; or
- Level 3: Species Listed Under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Level 2 and 3 designations include instructions for contacting MDC for further coordination.
When coordination is requested by a project representative or regulator, MDC prepares a Natural Heritage Review Report that includes a comprehensive list of species records in the project vicinity and applicable best management practices to minimize the potential for negative impacts. These reports are not concurrence letters and should not be interpreted as project approval or rejection. Completed reports may be requested by the public through the department’s Public Records Request process.
Important note: The Natural Heritage Review Report is intended to inform individuals directly involved with a project, particularly its representatives and regulators. Requests for coordination from those not directly associated with a project or its regulation will be denied.
Regulatory and permitting authorities
Some environmental impact concerns regarding data centers fall outside of MDC’s authority. Below are examples of types of concerns, the agency or government official to contact about those concerns, and their contact information.
| Concern | Agency or Official | Contact |
|---|---|---|
Land-use decisions Location | Planning and zoning commissions | Contact your local government |
Government authority/procedures Statewide policy | Elected officials, representatives, senators, etc. | https://www.mo.gov/government/elected-officials/ |
| Bald eagle nests | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Eagle Disturbance Take Permits and Nest Take Permits |
| Federal endangered species | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Missouri Ecological Services Field Office |
| Pollution effects on human health | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services | Phone: 573-751-6102 Toll-free: 866-628-9891 Email: EPHTN@health.mo.gov |
| Air pollution | Missouri Department of Natural Resources | Air Permits |
| Water pollution or water usage | Missouri Department of Natural Resources | Water-related Permits, Certifications, Fees |
| Impacts to aquatic resources such as rivers, streams, and wetlands | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Districts | USACE International Boundary Map |
For more information
Jordan Meyer, policy coordinator, serves as MDC’s point of contact for statewide data center engagement. Any comments, inquiries, and questions can be directed to him by email at Jordan.Meyer@mdc.mo.gov or by phone at 573-522-4115 x3197.