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Planning board debates draft rules for data centers, raising power, water and noise concerns
Summary
Board members reviewed an early draft of a data-center ordinance that proposes a 20-acre minimum lot size, 50-foot vegetative buffers, closed-loop cooling requirements and sound limits; members discussed options to restrict locations to industrial zones and to require monitoring or interconnection safeguards to protect local power capacity.
A draft ordinance to regulate data centers in Winthrop drew detailed discussion as board members and staff reviewed sample language pulled from other communities. The draft suggested minimum lot sizes (20 acres), 50-foot vegetative buffers, sound restrictions and prohibitions on open-loop cooling; it also proposed penalties for noncompliance and potential requirements for groundwater or noise monitoring.
Committee members raised the largest concerns about electricity and water. One board member noted the risk that a data center could use a large share of local power capacity and proposed wording to require a buffer (for example, "1.2 times the available power capacity") so the municipality would not be left unable to serve other development. Members also discussed environmental protections tied to closed-loop cooling, groundwater monitoring and the potential for significant local impacts on infrastructure and view sheds. Several members urged limiting data centers to industrial zones or putting height, footprint and sound limits in place so that a center's infrastructure would not overwhelm neighboring properties. The board agreed the draft needs further work and research on state utility and environmental rules before the board or council considers formal zoning changes.
