West Rockhill Supervisors approve amended data center ordinance as first application is filed
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors has approved an amended data center ordinance, addressing resident concerns about facility dimensions, water and electricity use, and noise. This action coincides with the township's review of its first formal data center application, while a citizens group has also proposed additional regulations.
The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors has approved an amended data center ordinance, aiming to address resident concerns regarding facility dimensions, water and electricity usage, and noise. This decision comes as the township begins reviewing its first formal data center application, filed for a property at 215 Cathill Road.
The amended ordinance introduces several new restrictions, including an increase in minimum lot size from 25 to 35 acres and minimum lot width from 350 to 750 feet. It also mandates a 400-foot yard setback from residential districts, limits building height to 35 feet, requires a thicker type 2 buffer for residential lot lines, and sets a maximum lot coverage of 60%. Additionally, developers must conduct mandatory water and electricity feasibility studies to ensure adequate supply and prevent adverse impacts, are prohibited from groundwater or surface water extraction, and must implement closed-loop systems to prevent water discharge. Noise regulations have also been tightened, reducing maximum daytime levels from 79 to 65 decibels and nighttime levels from 65 to 55 decibels.
A private citizens group, including members Scott Riegel and Ashley Adams, also presented recommendations for a third iteration of the township's data center ordinance. Their proposals, partly informed by PennFuture's model ordinance, focus on emergency response planning, noise mitigation, fire safety, and groundwater depletion. Adams specifically advocated for developers to document nearby wells and baseline conditions before construction, proposing that developers bear the burden of proving innocence if well problems arise post-construction. The group also suggested requiring financial security for groundwater remediation and facility decommissioning.
Township solicitor David Keightly confirmed the receipt of a one-page sketch plan for a data center at 215 Cathill Road, indicating it supports an application for a special exception before the Zoning Hearing Board. The board declined to comment on the pending application. Chairman Jay Keyser emphasized the board's commitment to protecting residents and the environment, stating he would not support proposals involving water withdrawal and discharge. The supervisors unanimously approved the amended ordinance and plan to consider incorporating the citizens group's recommendations at their next meeting on August 19.