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Residents urge caution over data‑center impacts on air, water and noise
Summary
During the hearing on the data‑center ordinance, multiple residents and commissioners raised concerns about air quality, low‑frequency noise, power draws and water usage; the solicitor and staff said the draft requires noise/plume studies, decommissioning security and energy interconnection documentation to address these issues.
Public commenters and several commissioners expressed worry about data centers' effects on air quality, noise and utility infrastructure. Zachary John Leben (speaker 8) told the commission he had reviewed EPA material and said, "data centers overall have a bad impact on the environment, on air quality, and sound quality affecting the people around it," adding local concerns about turbine generators and low‑frequency sound that some people report feeling.
Commissioners asked staff and the solicitor whether the draft ordinance adequately addresses energy, water and noise impacts. Staff noted the draft obliges applicants to submit certified energy‑usage plans, interconnection documentation with the electric utility and to demonstrate adequate water and sewer capacity; staff also described mandatory pre‑ and post‑construction noise studies and allowed mitigation where noise approaches limits. Solicitor Patrick Hitchins said state agencies (for example, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission) may require applicants to pay for needed grid upgrades, and the municipal conditional‑use process can add conditions specific to a project.
