Local residents, Tribal members voice further opposition to data centers in Massena
Massena residents and Tribal members continue to voice strong opposition to data center developments, particularly the proposed expansion by NYDIG's North Country Collocation Services. Concerns revolve around environmental impact, water usage, energy consumption, and job creation, leading to calls for a local moratorium. This comes as a state-wide moratorium on hyperscale data centers is already in effect.
Residents and Tribal members of Massena, New York, are intensifying their opposition to proposed data center developments in the town, including an expansion by North Country Collocation Services (NCCS), a subsidiary of NYDIG. Over 100 people attended recent Town Hall and Planning Board meetings, carrying signs and delivering a petition with over 450 signatures advocating for a three-year local moratorium on data center construction.
Opposition groups, including Mohawks United in Safety and Health (MUSH), have raised significant environmental concerns, citing potential impacts on the St. Lawrence River and tribal lands, as well as questioning energy use and the number of jobs created. Historically, the area has faced health issues due to industrial pollution, making residents particularly wary of new large-scale industrial projects. Former Mayor Jim Hidy, however, argued that Massena desperately needs the revenue and jobs that data centers could provide.
NCCS officials, including Carter McLean, Director of Data Center Development and Community Relations, and Harsh Patel, Head of Engineering, presented an updated site plan to the Massena Planning Board. They addressed water concerns by stating their new facilities would use a closed-loop cooling system, not drawing from or discharging into local waterways. NYDIG has also deposited $100,000 into an escrow account to cover independent environmental review costs for the town.
Despite the presentation, the Planning Board took no official action, deferring public comment to a future meeting where decisions would be made. The proposed expansion is currently on hold due to a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data center development enacted by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and St. Lawrence County officials have also sent the plans back to the town planning board with recommendations.