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Residents, council members warn proposed data centers could strain Lake Scranton water and local infrastructure
Summary
Public commenters and several city council members urged opposition to proposed data centers near Scranton, citing a reported claim that a single facility could use millions of gallons per day from Lake Scranton and raising concerns about stormwater, drought risk and long-term land impacts.
Residents and council members at a Scranton City Council meeting raised alarms about proposed data centers and their potential impacts on Lake Scranton and local infrastructure. Joan Hoodewon, a Scranton resident, cited a press report that the Wildcat Ridge 1 data center “may take as much as 3,300,000 gallons of water every day from Lake Scranton,” and said elected officials should engage with county hearings and public meetings to assess risks.
Mike Mancini, another public speaker, framed data centers as “energy monsters” that consume vast power and water and questioned claims that they deliver sustained local jobs. “We cannot ignore the hypocrisy of fighting climate change while green lighting another power-hungry data warehouse down the street,” Mancini said, arguing for stricter accountability and sustainable community investments.
Doctor Rothschild, speaking for the council, said the city and county discussions about data centers in neighboring townships are relevant to Scranton, noting a recent public hearing had drawn large turnout. Rothschild said she is “in agreement with standing against data centers in Lackawanna County” and urged collaboration among council members on possible letters or formal positions.
Speakers repeatedly raised stormwater and flooding concerns for Kaiser Valley and other drainage areas, and questioned who would oversee large withdrawals from municipal or regional water supplies. Marie Schumacher asked whether the city has a policy governing withdrawals from Lake Scranton and was told Pennsylvania American Water owns the lake.
The council did not take a formal vote on data-center siting at the meeting. Members asked staff to track developments, attend county hearings, and consider a caucus to discuss water usage, permitting, and possible local zoning or intergovernmental responses.
Next steps: council members said they will follow up with county officials and consider scheduling a caucus to discuss water usage plans, potential letters, and possible zoning or cooperative measures.
