Benton Twp. approves environmentally conscious data center ordinance
Benton Township Supervisors unanimously approved a new ordinance regulating data center development in its industrial zone, classifying them as conditional uses. The ordinance includes requirements for closed-loop cooling and environmental impact studies, though residents voiced concerns that it does not go far enough to ensure safety. No data center applications have been received by the township to date.
Benton Township Supervisors in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, unanimously approved an ordinance regulating data center development on Tuesday night. The ordinance classifies data centers, their accessory uses, and power substations as conditional uses within the township's industrial zone, requiring them to meet specific conditions and receive township approval.
Key provisions include mandatory closed-loop cooling systems and detailed Data Center Acoustic and Ecological Impact Reports from developers, which must assess environmental conditions and wildlife impacts. Buildings are limited to 35 feet in height, on a minimum of 25 acres. Despite the approval, over 40 residents attended a public hearing, praising the supervisors' efforts but expressing concerns that certain provisions were not clearly defined and might put the township at a disadvantage against future developers. Concerns were raised about wildlife protection, setbacks from residential properties, and the ordinance's compliance with Governor Josh Shapiro's executive order on data center development.
Supervisors acknowledged the ordinance is a starting point and can be amended in the future. The township has not yet received any applications for data centers, although Lackawanna County has seen increased interest in data center proposals in other municipalities.