Pine Twp. approves data center zoning ordinance – changes expected
Pine Township supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance regulating data centers after more than 60 residents attended a public hearing and raised concerns about setbacks, noise, water use and environmental discharges. The ordinance will be fine-tuned, although no data center application has been filed in the township.
Pine Township supervisors in Mercer County unanimously approved a zoning ordinance governing data centers following a heavily attended public hearing. More than 60 residents voiced concerns about setbacks, noise limits, water use and air and water discharges, while Lisa Johnson, an attorney with the Citizens’ Environmental Association of the Slippery Rock Area, argued that the ordinance may not adequately protect neighboring residents.
Supervisor Todd Spears said the ordinance was intended to prevent a data center from being developed without applicable local regulations. He said the township will begin fine-tuning the rules, with any changes subject to additional public hearings. The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission confirmed that no data center application has been submitted in Pine Township, while separate projects proposed in nearby Sharon remain subject to state and federal environmental approvals.