Cheyenne’s Bureau of Pollution Control and Utilities (BOPU) has identified a rare strain of Enterococcus faecalis in wastewater discharge linked to a construction site near Meta’s data center in southeastern Wyoming, according to a statement released Thursday. The finding, first reported by local environmental regulators, marks the first confirmed instance of the bacteria in the region’s water systems, prompting an ongoing investigation into the source of contamination.
The bacteria, typically associated with human and animal waste, was detected in samples collected from a stormwater drainage pipe near the Meta construction site on April 5, BOPU said. The agency has not yet determined whether the discharge poses a direct health risk to the public, but officials emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further spread. “This is an unusual occurrence, and we are working closely with the contractor to identify the cause and mitigate any potential impact,” a BOPU spokesperson stated in a written release.
The contractor implicated in the discharge is ABC Construction, a firm that has previously managed infrastructure projects for Meta in the area. A Meta spokesperson confirmed that the company had “no direct involvement in the wastewater management at the site” and referred questions to ABC Construction. ABC Construction did not respond to multiple requests for comment by press time.
The discovery has raised concerns among local residents and environmental groups, who have long criticized the rapid expansion of tech infrastructure in the region. “This isn’t just about a single incident—it’s a pattern of negligence,” said Sarah Mitchell, a representative with the Wyoming Environmental Justice Coalition. “When companies like Meta prioritize speed over safety, the community pays the price.”
How the Bacteria Was Detected
BOPU’s investigation began after residents near the Meta site reported a foul odor and discolored water in local ditches. The agency conducted routine sampling on April 5 and identified Enterococcus faecalis at concentrations exceeding state safety thresholds. The bacteria, which can cause infections in humans, is typically found in environments with fecal contamination, such as sewage systems or agricultural runoff.
State health officials confirmed the findings and issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid contact with the affected water sources. “While there is no evidence of widespread contamination yet, we are taking this seriously,” said Dr. Michael Torres, a state epidemiologist. “We’re monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more data becomes available.”
The exact source of the bacteria remains under investigation. BOPU is examining whether the discharge originated from the construction site’s on-site sanitation facilities, which are required to meet strict environmental standards. The agency has also reviewed permits for the site and is collaborating with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to determine if regulatory violations occurred.
Meta’s Role and Contractor Accountability
Meta, which operates a large data center in Cheyenne, has not directly addressed the bacteria incident. However, the company’s contract with ABC Construction includes clauses requiring adherence to environmental regulations. A Meta representative stated in a written statement, “We are aware of the situation and are cooperating with local authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable standards.”
ABC Construction, which has not publicly commented on the issue, has a history of environmental violations. In 2021, the company was fined $150,000 for improper waste disposal at a project in Colorado. A 2022 report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that ABC Construction had “a higher-than-average rate of permit infractions” in its projects across the western U.S.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has launched its own investigation into the incident, according to a spokesperson. “We are reviewing all available data to assess whether there were any violations of state environmental laws,” the spokesperson said. “If so, we will take appropriate enforcement actions.”
What Comes Next?
Local officials have indicated that the next steps will involve more extensive testing of nearby water sources and an evaluation of the contractor’s compliance with environmental regulations. BOPU has also requested a detailed report from ABC Construction outlining the measures taken to prevent future discharges.
The incident has sparked broader debates about the environmental impact of tech infrastructure. Wyoming, which has seen a surge in data center construction in recent years, faces pressure to balance economic growth with environmental protection. “This
