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Residents raise noise, emissions, water‑discharge and wildlife concerns about proposed Atlas Data Center
Summary
Public commenters urged caution on the Atlas Data Center application, citing 120 on‑site emergency generators in the applicant’s noise study, questions about fuel storage and cooling‑water blowdown, potential changes to rural character and nearby wildlife (reported bald-eagle territory); township staff said a comment letter will be posted and that the township’s noise consultant will recreate the applicant’s measurements for independent verification.
During the public‑comment period at the June 3 meeting, residents urged the board to scrutinize a proposed Atlas Data Center application, raising concerns about noise, emissions, wastewater handling, and local wildlife.
Doug Wamold of 3301 Congress Street praised the township’s updated website materials but said he remains concerned about the project’s potential long‑term effects on the neighborhood and Parkland High School community. Citing project documents, Wamold said the applicant’s noise study lists 120 emergency electrical generators and asked whether they are truly limited to emergency use, how much fuel will be stored on site and whether storage complies with township ordinances. He also asked how closed‑loop cooling system blowdown will be handled and noted the applicant’s sanitary flow estimate of 10,000 gallons per day.
Wamold urged the township to peer‑review the applicant’s noise study and to visit comparable facilities built by the applicant to verify claimed sound levels and emissions. “I suggest our township planning commission and board of commissioners exercise all due diligence before making any decisions,” he said.
Township staff and board members replied that a township comment letter addressing outstanding questions will be posted on the township website by Friday, June 5, and that the township’s noise consultant will recreate the applicant’s study parameters by taking independent measurements to reconcile modeled results.
Another resident, Marian Bobin of 2400 Mechanicsville Road, said she and a neighbor have documented a pair of bald eagles and at least one juvenile near the proposed site since December 2024 and urged the township to share the photos with staff and, if appropriate, federal authorities; board members acknowledged potential federal protections for bald eagles and asked Bobin to forward her documentation to staff.
No formal action on the Atlas Data Center application was taken at the meeting; staff indicated further review and public posting of the comment letter would follow.
