Archbald Residents Fear Environmental and Health Impacts of Proposed Data Center
Residents in Archbald, Pennsylvania, are strongly opposing Project Boson, a large data center development near their homes, citing environmental and health concerns. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has identified numerous deficiencies in the project's stormwater permit application, including issues with increased runoff and soil contamination from the site's previous use as a junkyard. Although the project is grandfathered under older zoning regulations, it still requires final land development approval and DEP permits.
Residents of Archbald, Pennsylvania, particularly the Nudelman sisters and their neighbors in the Highlands at Archbald, are actively opposing the proposed 70-plus-acre Project Boson data center, a 619,925-square-foot facility. The project is being developed by a company affiliated with Kriger Construction Inc., along with Archbald Data & Energy Center LLC and PDC Realty LLC. Adjacent to the data center site, the same developer is seeking approval for a 400-megawatt natural gas power plant by Essential Energy LLC.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a technical deficiency letter with 23 categories of concerns regarding Project Boson's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit application. Key issues include a projected increase of 210,439 cubic feet in stormwater runoff during a two-year storm, equivalent to nearly 1.6 million gallons, and severe soil contamination from the site's prior nearly 70-year operation as a junkyard. The DEP noted the presence of benzene and other chemicals exceeding residential concentrations and a lack of groundwater investigation, recommending worker protection during remediation.
Opposition group co-founder Tamara Misewicz-Healey from "Stop Archbald Data Centers" highlighted the health risks of carcinogens and neurotoxins, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and older residents, from potential airborne dust and waterborne runoff. Bernie McGurl of the Lackawanna River Conservation Association also expressed strong opposition, deeming the site inappropriate due to its disturbed topography from historical mining and proximity to residences. Residents also monitor noise levels, expressing concerns about backup generator noise and air emissions. Although Archbald amended its zoning in November to restrict data centers, Project Boson is grandfathered under prior regulations, but still requires final land development approval from the borough and DEP permitting.