Supervisors and planners warn data centers could strain power, water and wastewater; county model ordinance expected

Planning commission members and residents spent a large portion of the meeting discussing the potential local impacts of large-scale data centers.

Commissioners reported attendance at a regional conference where utilities and planners warned that data centers can create very large and sustained electricity demand. A participant who attended with PECO representatives said the problems are often in generation availability rather than transmission and that poorly scoped development could affect resident electricity rates.

Speakers raised multiple potential local impacts: continuous noise from backup generation, large water withdrawals or wastewater volumes unless closed-loop systems are required, increased pipeline and gas demand if on-site generation uses natural gas or hydrogen, and the potential for higher rates if generation shortfalls require system upgrades.

Several speakers urged the township to move proactively: adopt clear local standards on noise and wastewater, require applicants to submit water-use and wastewater-management plans, and review county model ordinances. One planning member said a county model ordinance was expected this month and the township intends to use that template in drafting local rules. "We have to be upfront and put something on the books," a planning commissioner said.

No data-center application was before the board at the meeting; discussion focused on regulatory preparation and coordination with other townships and utilities. The planning commission said it will review the county model ordinance and circulate a draft for board and interagency comment before presenting formal language for adoption.