Butler Twp. approves data center rules to beat deadline
Butler Township supervisors approved a 50-page curative amendment establishing rules for potential data centers, including setbacks, environmental studies, water protections, power requirements, noise limits and emergency standards. Residents criticized the rules as insufficient and objected to giving the appointed zoning board the final approval authority, while officials and property representatives debated suitable sites and environmental risks.
Butler Township supervisors approved data center regulations on Oct. 13 after residents raised concerns about the township’s proposed framework and a 180-day period during which developers could not submit plans. The curative amendment establishes a 1,250-foot setback from residential and agricultural zones, requires environmental and water-supply studies, and sets standards for cooling-water treatment, reuse, electrical use, auxiliary power, noise, mining impacts, fire response and decommissioning.
Residents including Todd Eachus, Nate Eachus and Veronica Young argued for greater setbacks, restrictions on groundwater use and renewable-power requirements. Supervisor Michael Reich said he would seek a change allowing elected supervisors, rather than the appointed zoning board, to cast the final vote on data center applications. Landowner William Skuba’s representatives questioned whether an industrial site on Green Mountain is appropriate because of mining conditions and sensitive bat habitat, while Beech Mountain residents expressed concern that a proposed facility could affect local wells. The discussion also referenced the Deep Woods Data Center proposed in neighboring Dennison Township.