The Lake Mariner data center in New York, a $3.2 billion project, faces scrutiny over accountability and safety. TeraWulf owns and operates the facility, while Fluidstack manages it. Google holds warrants for a 14 percent equity stake, and Anthropic utilizes the site's compute capacity.
Following a fire at the site, local fire officials reported difficulties due to missing safety documentation. TeraWulf stated it has since implemented new safety measures, including Knox boxes and emergency go-bags, though local responders noted that some infrastructure, such as hydrants, remained non-functional as of mid-August.
The project has drawn criticism regarding job creation. While 2019 projections promised 165 permanent jobs and $85 million in capital investment, a 2024 presentation estimated only 35 to 40 jobs for a facility drawing up to 500 megawatts. Residents also report ongoing noise issues.
Energy sourcing remains opaque. TeraWulf claims the site uses a mix of grid energy, but does not purchase renewable energy certificates. While Anthropic committed in February 2026 to cover electricity price increases for consumers, it lacks mechanisms to verify the clean energy claims of its partners at the site.
Regulatory and community oversight is complicated by the project's structure. TeraWulf has resisted community meeting requests, citing a lack of legal obligation. Meanwhile, the New York State Legislature passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act in June to address energy and environmental impacts.
