Stillwater HOA suing over claims of contamination from Google data site

By Beau Simmons

bsimmons@stwnewspress.com

A group of Stillwater homeowners is suing Google over claims that construction of the new data center created stormwater runoff that polluted its pond.

The Park View Estates Homeowners Association filed a civil suit Tuesday in Payne County District Court. Named as defendants were Kipper, LLC as a subsidiary of Google, along with Manhattan Construction Group, Olsson Inc. and Emery Sapp & Sons.

Park View Estates is located west of the construction site across from Perkins Road south of Richmond Road.

The petition was made available Friday.

“While the construction of the Google Data Center promises significant benefits for Stillwater and Payne County, that progress has come at a devastating cost to this long-established neighborhood-located directly next to the construction site,” the petition reads. “For over 50 years, Park View Estates was known for its pristine blue ponds, winding creeks, abundant wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Today, those same waters have been transformed into muddy, red, stagnant pools filled with dead and decaying fish. The once-thriving wildlife has vanished, replaced only by scavenging turkey vultures. The natural beauty and outdoor enjoyment that defined the neighborhood are gone.”

Park View HOA claimed contamination stemmed from mass grading that was implemented without stormwater pollution prevention measures.

“Their failure to properly plan and protect against runoff foreseeably led to a torrent of red mud and silt flowing into Park View Estates,” the petition reads.

Judge Michael Kulling was assigned to the case.

The pond near Park View Estates became much muddier after rains, and neighbors claim that was due to negligent stormwater retention from the Google data center construction site.

PROVIDED