Upper Burrell Township Weighs Rules for Tech Fusions Data Center Expansion
Upper Burrell Township, Pennsylvania, has enacted a six-month moratorium on data center development while it prepares an ordinance regulating Tech Fusions’ planned expansion. Residents and environmental advocates oppose the project over noise, water use, pollution and natural-gas-powered electricity generation, and Protect PT is suing the township over its existing zoning approval.
Upper Burrell Township supervisors enacted a six-month temporary moratorium on data centers while drafting rules for Tech Fusions’ proposed expansion of its existing facility. The Florida-based developer plans to expand the site at a former Alcoa research center and generate electricity onsite using natural gas. The proposed ordinance would address setbacks, noise, lighting and water consumption, but township officials say state law prevents them from banning the industry.
Residents expressed concerns that the project would compound the noise, dust and traffic impacts of nearby natural-gas drilling. Environmental group Protect PT, represented by Gilian Graber, is suing the municipality over its decision to allow the data center under the current zoning code. Township supervisors plan to negotiate a community benefits agreement after completing the ordinance, which has a November 2 deadline.