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Swatara residents urge tighter data‑center rules, citing noise, setbacks and decommissioning
Summary
Residents and public commenters pressed Swatara Township commissioners on July 8 to strengthen a draft data‑center ordinance — seeking larger setbacks (500 ft), lower height limits, stricter sound standards and decommissioning plans — while staff said the township copied a Tri‑County model and will require noise studies and respond to complaints.
Residents pressed the Swatara Township Board of Commissioners on July 8 to tighten a proposed data‑center ordinance, urging larger setbacks from homes and schools, lower maximum building heights, stronger noise protections and a formal decommissioning plan.
"The setbacks should be raised to 500 feet. 210 is insufficient," said Sarah Pinter of 2010 Green Street, who also urged lowering the draft 105‑foot height limit toward 75 feet and adding well‑water protections and a decommissioning plan so the community is not "left holding the bag" if a facility closes.
A resident who identified their address as 5631 Plainview Drive told the board she was concerned about proximity of data centers to schools and higher minority populations, and asked whether the township would require ongoing noise monitoring. She noted research recommending classroom noise remain below about 45 decibels for optimal learning.
Director Golden, the township official leading ordinance drafting, said applicants must provide an initial noise study (DBAs/DBCs) and the township can require a follow‑up study within two years. He added that the township will respond to complaints and can send staff with sound monitors to property lines, but that continuous monitoring will be triggered by complaints rather than required routinely.
"We copied the Tri‑County regional planning model and used most of it," Golden said, warning that Virginia model ordinances such as Loudoun County reflect different state authority and that Pennsylvania municipalities do not always have the same legal powers to regulate some aspects of data‑center operations.
Commenters asked the board to replace permissive language ("may require" or "encouraged") with mandatory language ("shall require") for protections such as monitoring or mitigation. Golden said staff can review stronger language but cautioned about legal limits under Pennsylvania law.
Pinter also urged lowering permitted noise levels and adding specific definitions of what constitutes an emergency so backup generators cannot be run "willy‑nilly." Director Golden said emergency generator use is limited to genuine emergencies and that non‑emergency activities ("power shaving") would not be allowed.
Why it matters: Swatara officials are drafting rules for hyperscale and other data‑center development near residential areas. Setbacks, building heights, noise limits and decommissioning plans affect residents’ day‑to‑day life, school learning environments and the community’s long‑term financial exposure if a large facility is abandoned.
What happens next: Golden invited written input and said he can forward submissions to the planning commission; he also said the planning commission process will be a forum for additional public comment and that the draft ordinance will move through the planning review process per the township’s schedule.
