Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus hearing generates more noise concerns
A public hearing for the Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus in Archbald, Pennsylvania, focused heavily on noise concerns from its proposed 588 diesel generators. A sound expert testified that the generators would create unreasonable noise levels for residents, despite the project's compliance with normal operating noise regulations. The borough council is weighing approval for the 14-data center campus, which is expected to require 1,600 megawatts of electricity.
The Archbald Borough Council held its seventh public hearing on the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus, focusing on the significant noise impacts from its 588 diesel generators. J. Michael Spencer of JMS Acoustics LLC, the borough's sound expert, testified that while the campus might meet normal operating noise regulations, the emergency generators would cause an "unreasonable" increase in sound levels, calling it unprecedented in his 30-year career.
Over 600 residents attended the 3½-hour hearing at Valley View High School, expressing strong opposition. Cornell Realty Management LLC plans to build 14 data centers requiring 1,600 megawatts of electricity, primarily using diesel generators for backup power. Concerns also include air emissions from these generators, which an expert last week estimated could cause millions in annual health damages. The Archbald zoning ordinance, adopted in November, controversially exempts backup generators from noise limits during emergencies and routine testing, a provision Spencer believes lacks scientific justification and was likely influenced by data center developers.
Spencer presented findings showing the generators would make the campus at least twice as loud as background noise at all 19 measured locations, and up to 16 times louder at two residences, with one home experiencing a 46-decibel increase at night. Wildcat Ridge attorney Edmund J. Campbell Jr. questioned if the ordinance unfairly burdened data centers. The council will reconvene on August 4 for more public comment and developer rebuttal. This testimony highlights ongoing community and expert concerns despite existing zoning regulations.