Falls Township Prepares Zoning Changes to Regulate Future Data Centers
Falls Township is preparing zoning amendments to regulate future data centers after residents criticized the already-approved Amazon data center at the former U.S. Steel site. The proposed rules would address concerns about water consumption, electricity costs, generator noise and environmental impacts but would not alter Amazon’s existing project.
Falls Township officials are drafting a curative zoning amendment for future data center proposals after residents and activists criticized Amazon’s approved campus at the former U.S. Steel Fairless Works site. Township Manager John Shepherd said the changes would apply prospectively and would not affect the Amazon project, which was approved in March 2025.
The Amazon facility has requested permission to draw up to 4.4 million gallons of river water per day and would include nearly 300 gas-fired backup generators. Residents have raised concerns about water and electricity bills, noise and potential effects on the Delaware River ecosystem, while Amazon has said utility bills will not spike. The Falls Township supervisors planned to discuss the proposed changes at a Nov. 23 meeting, with advertising in December and possible adoption in the new year.