Consultant to review acoustics study for data centers project

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors recently contracted Buffalo-based firm GHD for $13,730 to review an acoustics study for STREAM U.S. Data Centers' proposed $19.46 billion project in Alabama, New York. This decision comes amidst continued protests by local residents and activists at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) site, where the three data centers are planned. The GCEDC stated STREAM's facilities are designed to meet noise limits of 65 decibels by day and 45 decibels at night, and will utilize 500 of the STAMP electrical substation's 600 megawatts. Protesters, including Environmental Justice Organizer Sarah Howard, voiced concerns that the GCEDC is not prioritizing the well-being of Genesee County residents and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. Howard criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul's administration and the Empire State Development Corporation for providing $56 million to finance the STAMP electrical substation, which she dubbed "Kathy Hochul's Monster Data Center." Protesters questioned the project's value, given its high electricity consumption for only 125 jobs, and raised ethical concerns about data centers' use for AI, surveillance, and military technology. GCEDC President and CEO Mark Masse acknowledged issues with livestreaming a previous public hearing held on March 19 in Alabama regarding the project agreements. He assured that another public hearing would be scheduled, with proper arrangements for recording to ensure accessibility for the public. The opposition continues to press for local resident and Tonawanda Seneca Nation leadership involvement in determining the future of the STAMP site.