Residents voice frustration over Amazon data center in Falls Township
Residents in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, expressed significant frustration and concern at a community meeting regarding the ongoing construction of an Amazon data center. Concerns focused on environmental impacts, air and water quality, noise pollution from generators, and potential increases in electricity bills. Representatives from Amazon and PECO attempted to address these issues, but residents urged a halt to the project.
Residents of Falls Township, Pennsylvania, voiced strong opposition and frustration at a recent community meeting regarding the construction of an Amazon data center at the Keystone Trade Center campus. Attendees, including Sarah Kirk and Sharon Mack, expressed concerns about the environmental impact, air and water quality, and noise from hundreds of potential emergency generators.
Representatives from Amazon, including Roger Wehner, Vice President of economic development for Web Services, and PECO, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), presented information. Amazon highlighted a $20 billion statewide investment and 1,200 new jobs, with Wehner stating the company complies with public health requirements and pays for its own infrastructure to avoid impacting utility bills. He also noted water usage would be limited, primarily during peak grid pressure.
However, residents questioned the preparedness of the companies to address their concerns, with some accusing them of being unprepared for informed questions. The DEP confirmed it would monitor air and water quality and is reviewing approvals for natural gas-fired and diesel-fired emergency generators. Despite Amazon's reassurances, residents like Mike Ewall urged a halt to construction, although Amazon indicated the first facility is expected to come online in the fall after a year of work.