Data center health impact study to be conducted | 28/22 News
Lackawanna County Commissioners have unanimously approved a $165,000 study to assess the air quality and public health impacts of numerous data center proposals across the county. The study aims to understand the combined effects of these developments before they are built, with results expected in 90 days.
Northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly Lackawanna County, is experiencing a surge in data center proposals. In response, the Lackawanna County Commissioners have unanimously approved a comprehensive study to investigate the air quality and public health impacts of these projects before construction begins.
The study, to be conducted by Empower Analytics Group, will take 90 days and cost $165,000, funded from the county's existing budget. It aims to answer five key questions: what facilities are being built and what already exists, the amount of pollution added by these facilities, where the pollution disperses, its health implications and associated costs, and who will be most affected. The group previously conducted a similar study for the Wildcat Ridge Data Center campus in Archbald, emphasizing the need to assess the cumulative impact of multiple projects rather than just individual ones.
Commissioner Ghilani underscored the critical importance of the study, noting that Lackawanna County has become a "ground zero for this type of exploitation." He expressed concerns about the unchecked development's potential impact on the health of the county's elderly and children. The study is anticipated to commence as early as next week.