Amazon reps detail data center campus, endure scrutiny from Kline planners, public
Amazon's planned hyperscale data center campus, Project Brewster, in Kline Township, Pennsylvania, faced intense public and planner scrutiny during its initial public hearing. Concerns were raised regarding water usage, noise from diesel generators, and the transparency of agreements with utility providers. A second public hearing is scheduled as numerous approvals are still required for the project to proceed.
Amazon's proposed "Project Brewster" data center campus in Kline Township, Pennsylvania, underwent its first of two public hearings, attracting significant skepticism and scrutiny from the public and local planners. The campus, planned for a site south of McAdoo, will feature nine data centers and an administration building, totaling 2.1 million square feet. Representatives from Amazon, Evan Caso and Becky Ford, presented plans for the facility, which is expected to create 400-500 full-time jobs and include infrastructure upgrades funded by Amazon.
Key concerns raised during the hearing included the data center's water consumption, with Amazon stating a capacity to use up to 15,000 gallons per day for potable water and 100,000 gallons per day for cooling, though representatives could not provide an annual usage estimate. The company also sought an exemption from the township's noise ordinance for its diesel backup generators, which prompted strong opposition from residents like Jackie Joyce, who lives closest to the site. Additionally, questions arose about a power purchase agreement between Amazon and PPL Electric Utilities, which PPL representatives declined to readily provide to the planning commission. PPL, however, assured that customers should not see rate increases due to data center development.
The Kline Township Planning Commission, along with various municipal authorities and emergency services, questioned Amazon's representatives. The hearing, held at McAdoo Kelayres Elementary/Middle School, had a security presence due to a "credible threat." Despite basic site preparation already beginning under prior permits for the land, numerous other approvals are required. The second part of the public hearing is scheduled to address employment and environmental impacts, with residents expressing frustration over the lack of specificity in Amazon's answers.