East Rockhill Supervisors table data center ordinance following community pushback
East Rockhill Township supervisors tabled a proposed data center ordinance following strong community opposition over concerns about noise, groundwater extraction, and the rural character of the area. Residents argued the regulations were inadequate, leading the board to postpone a decision to gather more information and review differences with a similar ordinance in West Rockhill Township.
East Rockhill Township supervisors have tabled a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating data centers, following significant community pushback during a public meeting. The ordinance, which had previously received unanimous recommendation for adoption from both township and county planning commissions, sparked resident concerns regarding potential noise levels, excessive groundwater extraction, and its overall impact on the township's quiet, rural character.
The proposed regulations would create a specific data center use within East Rockhill, restricting construction to industrial districts near the Pennridge Airport, with stipulations for minimum lot size, building height, setbacks, and preferences for on-site electricity generation and public water hookups. Township solicitor Will Oetinger emphasized the ordinance as a preemptive measure, stating the board cannot legally prohibit data centers and that having regulations in place would protect the township from vulnerability.
However, residents unanimously condemned the ordinance, arguing it was inadequate and harmful. Concerns were raised about the ordinance legalizing a "high impact industrial use" without sufficient protections. Speakers called for more stringent noise restrictions, larger setbacks, and stronger environmental and ratepayer impact studies. Mark Ezzo suggested smaller buildings, reduced acreage, and requirements for developers to provide their own emergency services and utilize sustainable power options.
A key concern highlighted was the potential for groundwater extraction, particularly given the township's reliance on private wells, with residents noting that a similar ordinance in neighboring West Rockhill Township prohibits groundwater extraction. Following public comment, the board decided to table the ordinance to allow time to gather additional information, address resident concerns, and compare it with West Rockhill's adopted regulations. Supervisor Gary Volovnik stated the need for "more time" to "do our homework" before making a decision, with the next meeting scheduled for June 23.