Letter urges South Whitehall Township to reject proposed Project Atlas data center
A letter to the editor urges the South Whitehall Township Planning Commission to reject Project Atlas, a proposed 1.5 million-square-foot hyperscale data center near Parkland High School. The letter cites potential impacts on the Little Lehigh Creek watershed, air quality, noise and energy use, noting that the township engineer has recommended against approval.
Residents raised concerns at a South Whitehall Township Planning Commission meeting about Project Atlas, a proposed 1.5 million-square-foot hyperscale data center across from Parkland High School. The letter argues that construction over undeveloped land in the Little Lehigh Creek watershed could increase impervious surfaces, alter stormwater flows and threaten a drinking-water source and designated wild trout fishery.
The letter also cites the facility’s anticipated energy consumption, backup diesel generators and continuous cooling-related noise as risks to nearby residents and students. It calls for an independent environmental review and says the township engineer has recommended against approval, urging the Planning Commission to reject the project.