Area residents share concerns over impact of Homer City data center on local waterways
Residents and environmental groups in Homer City, Pennsylvania, are concerned about the proposed discharge of 6.54 million gallons of water daily into Blacklick Creek by Homer City Redevelopment's new gas-powered AI data center. Activists highlight potential pollution from contaminants, increased water temperature, and groundwater depletion. They are urging public comment and a hearing with the DEP.
Residents and environmentalists in Homer City, Pennsylvania, and surrounding communities are voicing strong concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of a new gas-powered AI data center under construction by Homer City Redevelopment. Activist groups, including the Mountain Watershed Association, claim that the developer is proposing to discharge 6.54 million gallons of water per day into Blacklick Creek.
The executive director for the Mountain Watershed Association expressed worry that a proposed amendment to discharge would seriously affect Blacklick Creek, which flows into the Conemaugh River. Activists warn that the discharged water could contain contaminants such as chlorine, biocides, and scale inhibitors, and reach temperatures of up to 110 degrees. Blacklick Creek, a DEP-classified trout stocking fishery and part of the Ghost Town Trail, has a history of mine drainage issues, with ongoing cleanup efforts potentially jeopardized by new pollution.
Concerns also extend beyond discharge to the data center's overall water consumption. Mark Ford, a councilman on Vintondale Borough Council, stated that data centers pull significant amounts of water, which could lead to a drop in water levels or even dry up legacy deep mines and mine pools, like those in Vintondale Borough number 6 and Wiram. This, in turn, could stop surface water flow into Blacklick Creek, raising alarms for local residents.
Homer City Redevelopment responded to the concerns by stating they