BOLING — Plans tied to a proposed Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center near Boling have encountered a delay after groundwater officials postponed action on permits for two water wells following concerns raised by area residents.

The Coastal Bend Groundwater Conservation District approved two smaller construction-related wells during its May meeting, but tabled permits for two larger four-inch wells that would be used for office operations associated with the proposed facility.

District officials said community members raised questions regarding the project, prompting the board to delay a decision while legal counsel reviews what issues fall within the district’s authority.

Concerns voiced by residents included potential impacts on groundwater resources, environmental effects, and claims regarding possible historic burial sites on the property. Officials indicated additional review is needed before moving forward.

The proposed data center site encompasses approximately 2,700 acres near FM 1301 and FM 442 in the Boling area. Property records filed earlier this year show the land has been acquired, although project plans could still change.

Residents opposed to the project have pointed to ongoing site activity, including construction equipment and temporary lighting, as reasons for continued concern. Supporters of additional review say they want more information about the project’s long-term effects on the community.

During earlier public discussions, AWS representatives stated that the company’s data centers use cooling systems designed to minimize water consumption and that permanent groundwater wells are not planned for facility operations. Company officials also said water would only be needed under certain temperature conditions and would be recycled multiple times before discharge.

The groundwater district is expected to hold a hearing on the larger well permits before taking further action. A date for that hearing has not yet been announced.

The proposed development continues to draw interest from residents as officials review permit applications and consider questions surrounding the project’s potential impact on the Boling community.