Semiconductor (computer chip) manufacturing

In 2021, the average daily water intake of semiconductor plants worldwide was over 11 million gallons, with the higher capacity facilities consuming up to 90 million. The Mundy Township AMD has already been approved for up to 64 million gallons per day, with projections of even higher figures. According to scientific research, and to observations about existing semiconductor operations, these facilities can drain local water supplies, forcing communities to ship in water for municipal use.

The use of highly toxic and unremovable chemicals is concerning. According to the EPA:

“Semiconductor manufacturers use a variety of high GWP gases to create intricate circuitry patterns upon silicon wafers and to rapidly clean chemical vapor deposition (CVD) tool chambers. Semiconductor manufacturing processes use high GWP fluorinated compounds including perfluorocarbons (e.g., CF4, C2F6, C3F8 and c-C4F8), hydrofluorocarbons (CHF3, CH3F and CH2F2), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Semiconductor manufacturing processes also use fluorinated heat transfer fluids and nitrous oxide (N2O)...

It was historically assumed that the majority of these chemicals were consumed or transformed in the manufacturing process. It is now known that under normal operating conditions, anywhere between 10 to 80 percent of the fluorinated GHGs pass through the manufacturing tool chambers unreacted and are released into the air.”

 The Michigan Economical Development Corporation (MEDC) recently held an open webinar with University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, Delta College and Michigan Tech, along with two of Michigan's semiconductor manufacturers, KLA Global and SK Siltron CSS. The webinar was focused on these universities and colleges establishing or enhancing classes in the semiconductor industry. Their goal is to make Michigan a major contender in the Semiconductor industry, as clearly stated by The MEDC’s 2022-2023 Economic Development Guide.

“We are also developing an ecosystem of talent programs, including a dedicated Semiconductor Talent Action Team, and economic development tools, such as the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve fund, so that we can use to turbocharge the growth of the semiconductor supply chain in our state.” - Gov. Whitmer, p16