Upper Burrell Township Weighs Data Center Expansion Amid Fracking Concerns
Tech Fusions wants to expand its existing data center in Upper Burrell Township and power it with on-site natural gas generation. The township has enacted a six-month moratorium while developing an ordinance addressing setbacks, noise, lighting, pollution and water use, amid strong resident opposition and a lawsuit by Protect PT.
Tech Fusions is seeking to significantly expand a small data center in Upper Burrell Township, Pennsylvania, at a former Alcoa research facility. The proposed expansion would use electricity generated on-site from natural gas, potentially supplied by nearby fracking operations. Residents have raised concerns about noise, lighting, pollution, water consumption and the limited economic benefits of the project.
The Upper Burrell Township Board of Supervisors enacted a six-month moratorium on data center development in May while drafting an ordinance with residential setbacks, a 75-decibel noise limit and guidelines for water use and lighting. Supervisor Ken Slahtovsky said the township cannot ban the industry under Pennsylvania law and wants to avoid a costly legal fight. Environmental group Protect PT is suing the municipality over its decision to allow the facility under the existing zoning code, while the supervisors plan to negotiate a community benefits agreement after completing the ordinance.