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Residents and EAC urge strict water protections as township readies data-center ordinance
Summary
Smithfield TownshipEnvironmental Advisory Council discussed tightening a data-center ordinance to limit the primary use of groundwater for cooling, while residents voiced strong opposition over well contamination and local impacts.
The Smithfield Township Environmental Advisory Council reviewed supervisors' expedited consideration of a proposed data-center ordinance and pressed for language that would prevent large groundwater withdrawals for cooling.
Council member James said the ordinance should require applicants to "show that water is not the primary source of cooling" and to quantify "the amount of water that they're going to use," noting that withdrawals "at 100,000 gallons a day" could quickly harm surrounding well water. His comments framed the council's recommendation to supervisors and the township attorney's pending legal review.
Robert, speaking for the council, said data centers "are allowed and have been allowed in the ED zone for a long time" but that supervisors are "trying to tighten up that allowance" to make construction more difficult and to protect local resources. He added that municipalities across Monroe County are watching how Smithfield proceeds.
Several members and public commenters urged strict limits on cooling-water use and clearer ordinance language. One public commenter, speaking during public comment, said residents opposed any data center and argued the project would risk groundwater and offer little local benefit: "Our wells could go dry. Our water could be contaminated. It's going to be really ugly. Stay the hell out of our water." That commenter also urged a public vote rather than a decision solely by boards.
Council members emphasized the EAC's advisory role: the body provides recommendations and education but does not approve land-development plans or issue permits. Members said the ordinance change under consideration would give supervisors a stronger legal basis to require non-water cooling or impose strict conditions before any proposal could proceed.
The council identified two near-term steps: 1) continue the EAC recommendation and await the township attorney's review at the supervisors' Sept. 9 meeting; and 2) require applicants to demonstrate alternatives to water cooling and provide water-use estimates as part of any application package. No formal ordinance was adopted at this meeting.
The next procedural step is the supervisors' legal review; the council said it will present its formal map and related recommendations at an upcoming supervisors' meeting (options discussed included Sept. 9 or Sept. 23).
