North Manheim Twp. moves to regulate data centers

North Manheim Township in Pennsylvania is taking steps to regulate data center development by drafting a comprehensive ordinance. The initiative comes in response to proposed data centers in Schuylkill and neighboring counties, prompting municipalities to review existing zoning laws. The proposed ordinance, reviewed by Township engineer Steve Moyer of Systems Design Engineering, details conditions for allowing data centers, mirroring efforts by other townships like New Castle. Key provisions of the draft ordinance include strict noise control measures, mandating sound studies and setting specific decibel limits for various operational periods. To address water consumption concerns, it requires the use of closed-loop cooling systems. Furthermore, data center developers will be required to submit environmental and community impact analyses, an emergency response plan, and a decommissioning plan backed by a surety bond or similar financial guarantee. The North Manheim Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the proposed ordinance on May 4, followed by the township supervisors on May 5. If approved by the supervisors, the draft will be sent to the Schuylkill County Planning and Zoning Office for comment before a public hearing is scheduled. Following the public hearing, the township supervisors will hold a final vote on whether to enact or reject the ordinance. Under Pennsylvania law, municipalities cannot outright ban data centers but can regulate them via the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code.