Quantum Loophole Maryland campus paused amid environmental concerns

Quantum Loophole has confirmed that it has agreed with state officials this week to pause construction of its data center campus in Maryland, having racked up "numerous environmental violations" over the past five months.

According to a report by Frederick News-Post, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has estimated that Quantum Loophole, without authorization, discharged 72,000 gallons of water per day into Tuscarora Creek across 30 days between April and May. This was part of the dewatering process to remove groundwater from a site. MDE has sampling data from the creek and pumping station excavation site, which showed that fluoride was present.

Further, neighbors reported that the creek had turned murky, and signs had been put up warning against contact with the water.

In addition to local water concerns, the company violated its permit by starting construction on its sewer line and pumping station without informing the MDE; it subsequently issued Quantum Loophole a noncompliance warning in January.

Quantum Loophole addressed the violations in a statement and said that there had been a "failure to use the proper channels of communication to keep MDE advised of activity on site."

"[W]e apologize to our community and partners for this oversight. We are laser focused on regaining their trust — upon learning of MDE's concerns, we immediately and voluntarily stopped our work and have since implemented additional layers of diligence, review, and oversight of our activities."

MDE is reportedly "working through the enforcement process," and hasn't confirmed whether the company will be hit with fines or penalties.