Towamencin board adopts data center regulations

Towamencin Township officials unanimously adopted a new ordinance last week to regulate data centers, a move they hope will lay a foundational framework before any new data center applications are submitted. This follows weeks of discussion among municipalities in the region regarding data center regulations, with other townships like East and West Rockhill debating similar rules. The newly adopted code mandates that data centers operate within the township's limited industrial zoning district and obtain conditional use approval from the supervisors. Key provisions include requirements for parking, noise control, and buffering, as well as a plan for decommissioning facilities upon shutdown. Solicitor Bob Iannozzi highlighted the ordinance's goal to comply with Pennsylvania law and protect residents, emphasizing that it establishes initial regulations. Specific requirements outlined in the ordinance include public hearings for any data center application, adherence to existing LI-district rules, and a prohibition on locating directly adjacent to residential areas. Data centers must have direct access to arterial streets and confirm the provision of electric, water, and sewer services to the township's satisfaction, making infrastructure improvements if necessary. The ordinance also forbids the use of groundwater, wells, or direct surface water withdrawal, instead requiring closed-loop water systems and discharge into public sewers. Additionally, onsite power generation is limited to backup generators, which can only be tested during specific weekday hours. Sound studies are mandatory before, during, and after construction to ensure compliance with township requirements, which residents argued should be stricter than the initial 65-decibel limit. Supervisor Kofi Osei advocated for immediate adoption with quick updates to incorporate feedback from the Montgomery County Planning Commission, whose recommendations, including a lower 45-decibel noise threshold, were received too late for the initial draft but will be considered in future revisions.