Short version
The developer pitched a closed-loop, no-water-supply system on March 11. On March 25, in answer to the Mayor's question about contamination, Keller said the design was "relatively new and lacking established performance data." La Pine's aquifer is porous, shallow, and already showing nitrate vulnerability. Verbal assurance is not a permit condition.
The city release describes the proposal as a closed-loop system with no water supply and no wastewater effluent.
At the March 25 meeting Mayor Earls asked about the risk of closed-loop cooling failing and contaminating the water table. Keller said the closed-loop system was relatively new and lacked established performance data.
Deschutes County describes the La Pine aquifer as porous, shallow, and at risk of nitrate contamination — the area's sole source of drinking water.
Oregon DEQ's March 2026 Upper Deschutes drinking-water assessment notes public systems with nitrate alerts/violations and elevated private-well nitrate.
What officials should answer
- 01 What exact cooling technology, coolant chemistry, volume, and spill-containment design will be used?
- 02 What fire-suppression water demand and domestic water demand are required?
- 03 What stormwater and spill-control plan applies?
- 04 Will the city require independent review by a licensed mechanical engineer, hydrogeologist, and fire-code specialist?
- 05 Will performance, decommissioning, and environmental-insurance bonds be required as conditions of sale?