Seneca Lake Advocacy Group Renews Call for Data Center Moratorium in Torrey
The Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is renewing its support for a local moratorium on large-scale data center development in the Town of Torrey, New York. This comes as Greenidge Generation transitions its operations towards artificial intelligence data center infrastructure. The association cites concerns over water use and discharge, heat entering the lake, air emissions, noise, and energy demand.
The Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association reported a rise in harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Seneca Lake during the week ending September 10, with 12 confirmed blooms scattered around the lake. Despite the increase, the total remains below levels seen at the same point in recent years.
The association's weekly update also highlighted its renewed support for a local moratorium on large-scale data center development in the Town of Torrey. This advocacy is prompted by Greenidge Generation's transition towards artificial intelligence (AI) data center infrastructure. Pure Waters argues that a temporary pause would allow the town time to thoroughly evaluate potential effects on Seneca Lake and surrounding communities.
Key concerns articulated by the association include water usage and discharge, thermal pollution from heat entering the lake, air emissions, noise, and the overall energy demand of data center operations. Pure Waters directed readers to an online petition in favor of the proposed moratorium, though the article did not detail the proposal's specific length, scope, or current legislative status. The organization continues to monitor lake conditions, drawing data from the Finger Lakes Institute's buoy, Pure Waters volunteers, and NOAA.