Landfill capacity, citizen ordinance take center stage in Dubuque County data center discussion

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) — Dubuque County leaders met Monday to continue shaping regulations for potential hyperscale data centers, facing fresh concerns from residents about local landfill capacity.

Around 50 citizens attended the Board of Supervisors work session, both in person and online, as county officials reviewed the roadmap for drafting a comprehensive data center ordinance.

Lucas Busch, a representative of the group Data Center Accountability for the Citizens of Dubuque County, warned supervisors that massive construction and e-waste could overwhelm local landfills. Citing a recent statewide survey by the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations, Busch noted that Iowa has not opened a new landfill in roughly 30 years.

“As options shrink elsewhere in the state, waste tends to get funneled towards the facilities that still have room,” Busch said during public comments. “How is electronics, construction, and demolition waste from projects of that scale part of that picture?”

The advocacy group announced it has drafted its own model ordinance by analyzing regional regulations across Iowa and the tri-state area. Members plan to formally present their proposed language to the Board of Supervisors within the next two weeks.

County officials plan to tackle environmental and waste concerns directly in an upcoming session. Dubuque Landfill Director Ken Miller is scheduled to present during a dedicated work session on August 24.

Meanwhile, municipal leaders are preparing to address the issue within city limits. The Dubuque City Council scheduled a work session for August 17 at 5:15 p.m. to review survey results and discuss drafting a citywide ordinance.