South Whitehall Township Data Center Project Faces Ongoing Opposition, Noise Concerns
Residents of South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, are actively opposing "Project Atlas," a proposed 1.5-million-square-foot data center by Edged U.S., primarily due to noise concerns. A township-funded sound study found significant noise increases, fueling an organized opposition group ahead of a crucial Planning Commission meeting and a final decision by township commissioners. The debate mirrors statewide concerns, with calls for a data center moratorium in Pennsylvania.
Residents in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, are expressing deep concerns about "Project Atlas," a proposed 1.5-million-square-foot data center on 410 acres by developer Edged U.S. Key worries revolve around potential noise disruption to the nearby Parkland High School and local homes, as highlighted by homeschooling parent Anna Clement and Superintendent Mark Madson. A township-funded sound propagation study found that the data center's predicted nighttime noise could be eight times louder than existing ambient levels.
Edged U.S., via their project website, claims "quiet operations" with noise levels below 54 dB at property lines and a "closed-loop" cooling system requiring "zero water" for daily operations. However, many locals are unconvinced, with 600 people attending a recent meeting and a well-organized opposition group, the South Whitehall Civic Alliance, forming to fight the project. State Sen. Jarrett Coleman also voiced opposition, stating the project is "not the right fit."
The debate in South Whitehall reflects a broader statewide and national trend of data center opposition. Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. James Malone has publicly urged the state Senate to reconvene and vote on data center moratorium legislation. This comes as Governor Josh Shapiro's administration, initially supportive of data center growth, is now expected to announce executive actions on data centers. Ginny Marcille-Kerslake of Food & Water Watch emphasized the need for elected officials to act.
The next critical step for Project Atlas is a South Whitehall Township Planning Commission meeting on September 23, focused solely on the proposal. The commission will make a recommendation to the township commissioners, who have until October 31 to render a final decision. The township manager stated the project is undergoing comprehensive and neutral scrutiny, despite engineer concerns.