Somerset County officials propose new data center guidelines
Somerset County officials are proposing new guidelines for future data center developments to prioritize public welfare. The plan includes requirements for onsite power, closed-loop cooling, noise limits, and residential setbacks. A public hearing is scheduled, and a vote is expected before October 6th.
Somerset County officials are advancing a proposal for new data center guidelines aimed at ensuring public welfare in future developments. According to media partners at The Tribune Democrat, these regulations would mandate that developers provide an onsite power source exceeding the data center's maximum usage, specifically requiring a generation capacity 50% larger than its peak demand.
Additionally, the proposed guidelines include environmental protections such as a closed-loop cooling system to recirculate water, preventing discharge. To mitigate community impact, all data center structures would need to be at least 1,000 feet from existing residential structures, and noise levels are capped at 57 decibels, comparable to a dishwasher.
A draft of the proposal has been posted on the County's Planning Commission website for public review. Residents are invited to weigh in during a public hearing scheduled for tomorrow at 1 PM in the Commissioners Board Room. Commissioners emphasize that nothing is final, and a vote could occur before October 6th. If approved, Somerset County would become the first county in its region to implement county-level regulations for data centers.