3.1 magnitude earthquake hits Box Elder County near proposed data center campus site
The earthquake was reported about 2.5 miles from the western portion of the proposed campus.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Hansel Valley in Box Elder County on Friday, May 1, 2026. The USGS reported a 3.1 magnitude earthquake nearby on Thursday.
A 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck northern Box Elder County on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The tremor originated at a small knoll near Sage Valley known as Johnson Hill, not far from the site of the proposed “hyperscale” data center campus.
(Christopher Cherrington | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Portions of the western end of the data center and energy campus are to be located in Curlew Valley. Much of the project is proposed for Hansel Valley to the east.
The earthquake hit about 2.5 miles northeast of the western portion of the site. The Ruby Pipeline, which carries natural gas and is key to the project’s development, runs along the southern end of the massive campus property.
A 3.1 magnitude tremor may feel similar to a heavy truck passing by for those close to its epicenter.
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Jose Davila IV covers west-side communities and is a Report for America corps member. He previously worked for KUNR Public Radio in Reno, The Toledo Blade and the Yale Daily News. He appreciates tips on the west side's best food, great hikes across the state and pickup volleyball games. Es bilingüe y ama los tostones de su padre más que nada.