Montana Seeks Public Comment on Broadview Data Center Well
State regulators are reviewing a permit for a proposed facility near Broadview that would draw water from the Madison aquifer.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Data Centers
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The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is currently accepting public comments regarding a well permit for a new 5,100-square-foot data center. Developers plan to drill 4,500 feet into the Madison aquifer to supply the facility with water.
Why it matters
Residents and environmental groups are pushing for stricter oversight of the project due to ongoing concerns over water scarcity. Parts of the state are currently experiencing a multi-year drought, raising questions about the environmental impact of large-scale water consumption.
The proposed Big Sky campus facility spans 5,100 square feet and relies on a well drilled 4,500 feet deep. The extraction point sits 1,000 feet below the local aquifer used for the town of Broadview.
The players
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
This state agency is responsible for overseeing environmental regulations and managing the current public comment period for the proposed permit.
Quantica Infrastructure
The company is the developer behind the proposed data center project near Broadview.
The details
Quantica Infrastructure is the developer behind the proposal, which has sparked pushback in the community of approximately 150 people. While an attempted ballot measure to require voter approval for such projects failed to reach the signature threshold, public scrutiny continues to mount.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: The public comment period for the well permit closes.
2027: The next Montana legislative session is scheduled to occur.
The Tech Race
The push for tighter data center oversight mirrors the broader national trend of balancing infrastructure growth with resource-constrained environments. This project follows a pattern set by the 2027 Montana legislative session, where advocates hope to codify new regulations.
Residents in Broadview and surrounding areas are directly affected by the proposed water usage levels during a sustained drought. The public comment period provides the primary channel for citizens to express concerns regarding local water supply availability and future infrastructure impact.
The takeaway
This project highlights the growing tension between expanding digital infrastructure and local environmental sustainability in drought-prone regions. Residents concerned about resource management can participate in the official review process before the October 2026 deadline.
What happens next
The public comment period closes on October 29, 2026, and stakeholders intend to pursue legislative changes during the 2027 session.
Further reading
Learn more about industrial infrastructure in the region by visiting the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by YPR.
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