Lebanon County Commissioner concern about bald eagles living near proposed data center site

Lebanon County Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz has expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed data center development in South Annville Township, Pennsylvania. The primary issue revolves around a pair of bald eagles nesting near the designated site along Mount Pleasant Road. The development, planned by Inch & Co, includes five data center buildings on 100 acres, projected to create approximately 100 jobs. Commissioner Litz worries that the construction activity and the ongoing hum from the completed data center will disturb the eagles' habitat, potentially driving them out of the area. She highlighted that while developers have proposed setting aside 15 acres for protection, the overall disturbance would be too great. Litz contends that the current plan would violate the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. She warned that the US Fish and Wildlife Service might intervene and require the developers to relocate. During a previous hearing in April, Inch & Co reportedly assured county officials that the plan would address community concerns, including noise levels and energy use. However, Commissioner Litz is now urging South Annville residents to voice their opposition during the next township meeting, emphasizing that people and animals would not be able to coexist with the data center in such close proximity.