(Estherville)--A large crowd attended a public meeting Thursday evening at the Estherville VFW to hear a presentation about the proposed data center in Estherville. Gyles Uhlenhopp of Path One made a 30 minute presentation about the proposed 25 megawatt data center and then answered questions from the audience. One of the questions was about the noise and low frequency sound produced by data centers and their possible impacts on animals and people, especially children. Uhlenhopp says the proposed facility would have several ways to reduce the impact of sound.

One of those in attendance owns land that would be adjacent to the Data Center and expressed concern about the possible impact on his cattle.

Uhlenhopp says the site plan for the plant would be made public. On another topic, Uhlenhopp says the plant would use a closed loop system to cool the equipment.

Uhlenhopp urged citizens to do their own research. A couple of residents spoke in favor of the project. One of them was Sandy Shonkweiler.

The Estherville City Council will hold a public hearing at their meeting on Monday on a zoning amendment to regulate data centers.