[Letter] Proposed $1.7 billion data center raises health, environmental concerns

Dr. Thomas P. Dompier, an epidemiologist and Associate Professor of Athletic Training at Lebanon Valley College, has submitted a column to LebTown expressing serious public health and environmental concerns regarding a proposed 99-acre, $1.7 billion data center in South Annville Township, Pennsylvania. The developer, 1235 Martina Drive Owner LLC, plans for the facility to be located close to residential areas, an elementary school, and a high school. Dr. Dompier highlights that data centers generate noise, light, air, and soil pollution. He particularly emphasizes the risks of infrasound, which is inaudible to humans but can travel long distances and affect human and animal physiology, including nerves and heart muscle, according to scientific research. He argues that chronic exposure to such factors should be minimized, drawing parallels to the established risks of UV radiation and smoking. He criticizes developers for potentially downplaying health concerns, noting the lack of long-term epidemiological studies on data centers due to their recent proliferation. Dr. Dompier urges residents to contact the South Annville Township Supervisors and Lebanon County Commissioners to share their concerns about the project's potential negative impact on community health and well-being.