Genesee County, New York, Planning Board reviews data center sound study, site plan
The Genesee County Planning Board in New York met to discuss a proposed $19.46 billion, 2.2 million-square-foot data center at the STAMP property. Key discussions revolved around the project's sound study, with the developer offering noise monitoring and planning to revise its design to eliminate most generators. The project's impact on wetlands was also addressed.
The Genesee County Planning Board convened a meeting Monday evening in Oakfield, New York, to discuss a proposed $19.46 billion, 2.2 million-square-foot data center development by Stream Data Centers at the Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) property. A primary focus of the meeting was the environmental noise assessment conducted by Ramboll, an engineering firm working with Stream Data Centers and the town's engineering firm, Wendel Companies.
Rob Klavoon and Drew Reilly of Wendel Companies, along with Kevin Peterson, senior managing consultant for Ramboll, presented findings and responded to questions regarding noise levels, specifically the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) standards of 65 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. Peterson explained the modeling of worst-case scenarios, including peak server usage and maximum cooling, assuring that the project would adhere to the dBA limits. The discussion also covered tonal and low-frequency noise, with a voluntary 5-decibel reduction in allowable limits at receptors. Planning Board member Lorna Klotzbach raised questions about seasonal sound variations and the impact on vernal pools and wetlands, to which the developers asserted no mapped wetlands or vernal pools would be impacted. Colm Curran, Stream Design Manager, announced a significant design revision to eliminate the two main 2,000-kilowatt generators, retaining only a smaller 300-kilowatt unit for potential fire pump backup, a move he highlighted as a first for Stream Data Centers aimed at reducing noise. The next Planning Board meeting is scheduled for June 1.