Foster Twp. approves data center ordinance
Foster Township supervisors unanimously approved a new zoning ordinance to create a "Data Center Overlay District" along Interstate 81. The ordinance proactively sets specific requirements for data center development, addressing aspects like lot size, building dimensions, noise, water usage, and electricity supply, even though no developers have yet expressed interest.
Foster Township supervisors have unanimously passed a new zoning ordinance, creating a "Data Center Overlay District" in the township's southern end along Interstate 81. The move is proactive, as solicitor Ed Brennan noted that no data center developers have expressed interest in the land yet, but the township aims to be prepared for future inquiries.
The ordinance defines the overlay district to the east and west of I-81, including the Commonwealth Environmental Systems Landfill area. Within this district, data centers will be permitted if they comply with a detailed set of criteria. These include reducing the minimum lot area from 120 to 110 acres, a change requested by attorney Robert Matta, representing landowner Coal Products.
Further regulations stipulate that buildings cannot exceed 60 feet in height, including cooling systems, and must be at least 200 feet from residential districts. Noise mitigation is a key component, requiring power generation equipment within 300 feet of public roads or residential areas to be enclosed or fully screened. A sound study must also prove decibel levels do not exceed 7 dB(A) during the day and 77 dB(A) at night and on weekends, with an exception for emergency power during outages.
The ordinance also addresses resource consumption, mandating a water feasibility study if a developer doesn't plan to use the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA), detailing projected demands and source sustainability. For electricity, developers must provide documentation from the utility confirming the availability of the required power.