Harborcreek Township Proposes Strict Regulations for Data Centers
Harborcreek Township is proposing new zoning regulations that would tightly control where data centers can be built and require significant environmental and community impact analyses. The ordinance aims to limit data center development to specific areas like Penn State Behrend and Knowledge Park, while prohibiting them in agricultural and residential zones. A public hearing is scheduled for June 17th to discuss the proposal.
Harborcreek Township in Pennsylvania is advancing a new ordinance to impose stringent regulations on data center development, aiming to restrict their locations and mandate comprehensive environmental and community impact assessments. The proposed rules would limit data center construction primarily to Penn State Behrend and Knowledge Park, explicitly prohibiting them in agricultural and residential zones.
Township Supervisor Dean Pepicello emphasized that the ordinance is designed to safeguard residents and the environment from potential negative impacts, such as strain on local power grids and excessive water consumption, issues observed in other states. The extensive proposal includes requirements for noise and vibration studies, air quality protections, and the use of closed-loop cooling systems to conserve water.
Furthermore, developers would be compelled to meet renewable energy targets, implement chemical spill prevention measures, avoid construction in floodplains, and provide financial security for decommissioning plans to ensure site restoration. A public hearing is scheduled for June 17th at 5:00 PM to further discuss the proposed ordinance.