Residents urge changes to Project Atlas, cite environmental and health concerns
South Whitehall Township residents urged officials to reject or significantly modify the proposed Project Atlas data center, citing concerns about air quality, noise, student health, water contamination, and fire safety. The township's Community Development Department previously recommended against approving the preliminary land development plan due to unresolved issues. State officials also highlighted new state-level requirements for data center development.
Residents of South Whitehall Township pressed officials to either reject or mandate substantial revisions to the proposed Project Atlas data center during a special public meeting on September 9. Approximately 40 speakers voiced concerns encompassing environmental impacts like air quality, noise pollution, potential water contamination, and fire safety risks, as well as implications for student health at Parkland High School.
The public meeting followed a recommendation from the South Whitehall Township Community Development Department against approving the project's preliminary land development plan, citing outstanding review comments. The department requested a revised submission, indicating unresolved issues. Advisory boards, including the Landscape and Shade Tree Commission and the Environmental Advisory Council, are continuing their review, with the project slated for the South Whitehall Township Planning Commission on September 23.
Key speakers included Julie Thomases, who presented opposition from Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, and Alice Lenthe, a former Merck executive, who deemed the project's environmental impact analysis "incomplete and totally inadequate." Caren Lowrey highlighted concerns for Parkland High School students, while Matt McClanahan of Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre spoke about noise impacts. Greg Sussman, representing the South Whitehall Civic Alliance, raised issues regarding lithium-ion batteries, diesel fuel storage, and potential watershed effects.
The local debate coincides with Pennsylvania's new statewide data center development requirements. Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 on August 18, mandating state agencies to enforce Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) requirements. State Senator Lisa Boscola and State Representative Milou Mackenzie have both expressed support for increased oversight and local community involvement in data center projects.