IDEM: Data center in downtown Indy operating without proper permit

INDIANAPOLIS — A data center located in downtown Indianapolis has been operating without receiving a proper permit, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

IDEM is working to bring Netrality Data Centers, the largest privately-held owner and operator of core interconnection facilities in the U.S., into compliance within 30 days of public comment. According to an IDEM report obtained by FOX59/CBS4, the agency confirmed it received an application from Netrality Data Centers, located at 701 and 733 W. Henry Street, to build and operate a stationary data center.

The center would operate equipment that emits air pollutants, prompting IDEM to develop preliminary findings and a draft permit after reviewing the application.

However, the report noted that the data center has reportedly been operating “prior to the receipt of the proper permit.”

“IDEM is aware that the data center has been constructed and operated prior to receipt of the proper permit,” the report said. “IDEM is reviewing this matter and will take appropriate action. This draft permit contains provisions to bring unpermitted equipment into compliance with construction and operation permit rules.”

IDEM’s Notice of a 30-day period for public comment can be viewed here.

According to Netrality Data Centers, the 733 W. Henry Street location is “strategically positioned to leverage Indianapolis’s status as a critical data corridor.” One of the stated objectives of the Indy Telcom Campus is to improve regional connectivity while “empowering businesses with the infrastructure needed to innovate and expand in today’s digital landscape.”

The site also offers a continuous network operations center support for network service providers.

According to a news release, Netrality Data Centers completed its expansion of the Indy Telcom Center Campus in July. The campus, which spans 3,800 square feet, delivers 1 megawatt of critical capacity.

In addition to IDEM’s air quality permit, this also triggered its 30-day comment window that began on Sept. 12 and will last until Oct. 12.

Any comments or requests for a public hearing can be sent to ANeuzerl@idem.in.gov alongside your address and permit #S097-49083-00967. Residents can also call 317-232-6634.

Residents can request that IDEM hold a public hearing regarding the draft permit. IDEM will then decide whether it will hold a public hearing if it receives any negative comments related to possible air pollution.

A public meeting could also follow in the process. The date, time and location of the public hearing can be found online here.

IDEM will then consider all comments it has received during the public comment period before issuing its final decision to approve or deny the permit.

FOX59/CBS4 received the following statement from Netrality Data Centers:

“Netrality Data Centers is proud to be the premier provider of network facilities in the Indianapolis region, supporting the delivery of critical network services to the community. We also pride ourselves on being an integral part of all communities we serve and stewards of all safety protocols, compliance standards, and required regulations. To ensure the Indy Telcom Center meets or exceeds regulatory requirements, we work closely with state agencies, including the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

As part of an expansion project at the Indy Telcom Center, we started the permit process to add three new emergency-only standby generators. As a result of the expansion project, we discovered that two existing generators, which were installed and turned over to us by a prior operator, needed permitting and the expansion project triggered permitting requirements for two other existing generators. To ensure full compliance, the four existing generators have been included in the current permitting application alongside the three new generators.

We are committed to assuring the community that Netrality Data Centers takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.”