Bonner Community Raises Concerns Over Proposed AI Data Center

Residents question water usage, environmental impact, and potential government contracts for the planned facility.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:18am

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A community meeting in Bonner, Montana highlighted concerns from residents about a proposed artificial intelligence data center that could be built in the former United Forest Products building along Highway 200. The project, led by Krambu CEO Steve Wood, aims to transform the old mill site into a sustainable AI facility, but locals raised questions about water usage, wastewater treatment, potential infrasonic vibrations, and the possibility of government contracts with entities like the Department of Defense.

Why it matters

The proposed AI data center represents a significant development for the Bonner community, raising concerns about the environmental impact and resource usage of such a facility. As Missoula County has previously dealt with issues around a cryptocurrency mine in the area, residents are closely scrutinizing this new project to ensure it complies with local zoning, waste, noise, and environmental regulations.

The details

Krambu CEO Steve Wood presented plans for the AI data center, which would use a closed-loop water system to capture heat and reduce resource usage. However, community members were skeptical about the water source and total usage, which is still unknown. Wastewater treatment and potential infrasonic vibrations were also cited as concerns. The size of the facility and its client are still undetermined, with Wood mentioning potential partnerships with the Department of Defense, though he has not personally spoken to Palantir. Missoula County has set up an informational page and public comment period for residents to voice their feedback on the project.

  • 6 weeks ago, Wood learned of the potential opportunity for Krambu in Bonner.
  • The community meeting was held on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Steve Wood

The CEO of Krambu, the company proposing the AI data center project in Bonner.

Missoula County

The local government entity that will oversee the zoning, waste, noise, and environmental regulations for the proposed data center.

Krambu

The company proposing to build the AI data center in the former United Forest Products building in Bonner.

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What they’re saying

“There's an insatiable appetite for these, these types of AI factories.”

— Steve Wood, CEO, Krambu

“We're focusing on capturing all the heat and the thermals and liquid and using that in our closed loop system to serve other ecosystems like an aquaponics project or hydroponics or just a greenhouse.”

— Steve Wood, CEO, Krambu

“Whatever the water used to supply the sawmill.”

— Steve Wood, CEO, Krambu

What’s next

Krambu must work with Missoula County to obtain the necessary approvals and permits for the proposed AI data center, addressing concerns from the community about water usage, environmental impact, and potential government contracts.

The takeaway

The Bonner community meeting highlighted the importance of transparent communication and thorough review of new development projects, especially those involving emerging technologies like AI data centers, to ensure they align with local priorities and regulations around sustainability, resource usage, and community impact.