Project Utilizes Closed-loop Technology, Prioritizing Groundwater Protection and Community Transparency
Billings, Mont. (September 29, 2026) – Big Sky Digital Infrastructure (BSDI), a Quantica Infrastructure company sponsored by EnCap Investments, L.P. (“EnCap”), is pleased to share that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) has opened BSDI’s Public Water Supply (PWS) application for public review and comment for the proposed well at the Big Sky Campus near Broadview. Public participation is an important part of Montana’s permitting process. BSDI encourages anyone interested to review the materials and provide feedback through DEQ’s established process.
The proposed well would access the deep Madison Aquifer, located approximately 4,000 – 5,000 feet below ground surface, and about 1,300 feet below the Eagle Aquifer that supplies many local wells. Comprehensive engineering studies submitted as part of the permit application indicate the Madison Aquifer is separated from shallower groundwater sources by substantial layers of low-permeability rock, providing robust hydraulic separation. The well will also be subject to extensive DEQ review, groundwater protection standards, water quality testing, and aquifer testing before it can be approved for use.
“We remain committed to transparency, regulatory compliance, and protecting Montana’s natural resources throughout the development of the Big Sky Campus,” says Damon Obie, General Counsel of Big Sky Digital Infrastructure.
The Big Sky Campus is being designed with a closed-loop cooling system which, much like a vehicle’s radiator, recirculates water within a sealed system and minimizes water consumption. During the temporary peak construction phase, the campus is expected to use up to 150,000 gallons of water per day to support workforce needs and associated construction site activities. Once construction is complete, water use is expected to decline significantly to approximately 20,000 gallons per day during operations.
Key Environmental Safeguards During Well Development:
- Water Containment: Water brought to the surface during drilling and aquifer testing will be captured and stored in tanks for off-site disposal – water will not be released on-site.
- Neighboring Well Monitoring & Baseline Tracking: While we are confident local wells will not be impacted, we have arranged to monitor nearby wells during the drilling process to ensure real-time transparency and verification.
- Rigorous Testing: Throughout drilling and testing of the well, water will be carefully managed under DEQ requirements and engineering plans.
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure plans to continue providing additional information related to water infrastructure and permitting as the project progresses. For more information or to review previous project updates, including the August 31 water plan summary, please visit bigskydigitalinfra.com.
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About Big Sky Digital Infrastructure
Big Sky Digital Infrastructure, a Quantica company, is dedicated to advancing Montana’s role in the digital economy by developing world-class infrastructure that connects communities to the future. By utilizing abundant renewable energy sources and strategic geographic location, Big Sky delivers scalable, sustainable, and resilient solutions for AI, hyperscale, and data center operators. Rooted in local values and driven by a vision for statewide growth, Big Sky is building the foundation for enduring opportunity and innovation across the region. For more information, see bigskydigitalinfra.com.
About Quantica Infrastructure
Quantica Infrastructure delivers integrated digital infrastructure solutions by combining permitted land, robust power, and resilient network routes for AI, hyperscale, and data center operators across the U.S. For more information, see quanticainfra.com.
About EnCap Investments L.P.
Since 1988, EnCap Investments has been a leading provider of growth capital to the independent sector of the U.S. energy industry. The firm has raised 25 institutional investment funds totaling approximately $47 billion and currently manages capital on behalf of more than 350 U.S. and international investors. Founded in 2019, the EnCap Energy Transition platform is led by three Managing Partners, each with 30-35 years of experience in the development and operations of renewable energy and other power generation assets. Since inception, EnCap Energy Transition portfolio companies have executed nearly 3.5 GW of power purchase agreements with four of the world’s largest hyperscale data companies.
For more information, see www.encapinvestments.com.
Media Contact for Quantica Infrastructure:
Travis Hall, Statewide Communications
Email: [email protected]
