Indiana County officials begin review of proposed Amazon data center
Indiana County officials voted to accept Amazon’s application for a proposed 36-building data center campus in Homer City and begin a 90-day review, emphasizing that the vote does not approve construction. Residents raised concerns about stormwater, water use, traffic, noise and potential wastewater and thermal pollution impacts on Blacklick Creek.
The Indiana County Planning Commission voted to accept Amazon’s application for a proposed data center campus spanning about 1,100 acres in Center and Blacklick townships near Homer City. The project calls for 36 buildings, and the commission will conduct a 90-day review of issues including stormwater, traffic, noise and water use. Officials stressed that accepting the application is not the same as approving the project.
Residents expressed both opposition and support, with critics seeking more information about the development’s environmental effects and supporters citing potential jobs and economic benefits. At a separate Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection hearing, speakers questioned a proposed amendment to the Homer City generating station’s wastewater permit, particularly the release of cooling-tower water into Blacklick Creek and possible effects from thermal pollution. The DEP said it would evaluate temperature modeling, sampling and inspections, while written comments on the permit amendment remain open through Oct. 19.