South Strabane supervisors adopt data‑center and noise/dust ordinances after hours of public comment

The South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt a data‑center ordinance and a separate noise‑and‑dust ordinance after a lengthy public hearing in which dozens of residents urged stronger protections.

The ordinances, as presented, include a 1,500‑foot setback measured from occupied residences (shown on maps displayed at the hearing), noise and vibration limits, requirements addressing emergency response, screening, traffic and decommissioning, and provisions governing water and fire safety planning. The board recorded a 5–0 roll‑call vote in favor of each ordinance (Grego, Weber, Morgan, Bull, Rowan voting yes). The board also entered multiple exhibits into the public‑hearing record, including maps and photographs submitted by residents.

Why it matters: Residents at the hearing, many identifying themselves and their addresses for the record, said they fear the cumulative effects data centers could have on community character, local water supply and well water, long‑term health, and property values. Several speakers asked for a moratorium; others urged that the setback be increased or that construction over old mining areas be prohibited.

Kevin Booth, a resident who spoke in favor of the ordinances, told supervisors they "represent a thoughtful effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of township residents while still allowing appropriate development to occur." Booth also cited the 1,500‑foot setback as an important protection and said the map shows "substantial land remains available for development."

Opponents focused on resource and health concerns. Alyssa Baker, who identified herself as a lifelong resident, said she was "totally against the data center," citing impacts to parks, rural character and the risk of tapping into local water and electricity supplies. Cynthia Rossi, who submitted photos and technical materials, urged the board to prohibit construction over mined lands and described geotechnical and hydrological risks she believes would require deep‑foundation engineering and grouting before major construction.

CNX Land, the largest property owner in the area discussed at the meeting, was represented and asked the board to consider changes to building‑size caps and setbacks; the CNX representative said CNX had placed a 90‑day marketing moratorium on the property and that no application for a data center was pending.

Board action and votes: A motion to adopt the data‑center ordinance "as presented tonight" passed on a 5–0 roll call (Grego, Weber, Morgan, Bull, Rowan). The noise‑and‑dust ordinance was then moved and adopted by the same margin. The board closed the hearing, recorded exhibits submitted by residents and others, and adjourned following the votes.

What comes next: The adopted ordinances are now part of the township code as passed; supervisors said the ordinance will remain a "living document" and can be amended later. Several residents and the landowner asked for continued review and possible additional measures (an overlay district, further restrictions on building size, or stronger protections for structures on previously mined land).

The board meeting record shows the hearing included detailed public testimony and exhibit submissions and concluded with unanimous votes to adopt both ordinances.