A Positive SEQRA Declaration On DataBank's Expansion Plans In Orangeburg Sets The Stage For More Rigorous Environmental Review

The Orangetown Planning Board unanimously voted to issue a "Positive SEQRA Declaration" for DataBank's proposed 77,862-square-foot data center expansion in Orangeburg, New York. This decision, a significant setback for the developer, mandates the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) after months of public opposition and concerns.

Residents and environmental groups, including Food & Water Watch, have voiced strong objections, citing worries about electrical usage, noise, light, diesel exhaust, air quality, climate change impacts, and potential damage to Lake Tappan reservoir. Despite DataBank's claims of halving the expansion size, eliminating a proposed substation, and avoiding watercourse disturbance, the board was swayed by findings from independent planning agency AKRF, which highlighted ongoing concerns regarding energy use, air quality, and noise.

Local officials are also grappling with the broader implications of data center proliferation. Orangetown's Town Board recently passed a resolution to study a potential moratorium on new data centers, though it explicitly excluded DataBank's current application. Elected representatives, such as Cait Conley from New York's Congressional District 17, have urged the Planning Board to reject the proposal until proper assessments are conducted, emphasizing the need to protect residents from rate hikes, ensure grid reliability, and preserve water resources and the environment.

A positive SEQRA declaration means DataBank must now engage in a public scoping process to define the environmental issues for study, explore alternatives, and propose mitigation strategies. No date has been set for these public sessions, indicating a lengthy review period ahead for the controversial project.