Archbald to hear more info on power plant, seven data centers this week
Archbald, PA, is holding public hearings for two major developments: a 400-megawatt natural gas power plant by Essential Energy LLC and a seven-data-center campus by Project Green Mountain. Residents and a local opposition group are actively scrutinizing the proposals, raising concerns about zoning, environmental impacts, and utility demands. The Archbald Council is weighing conditional-use applications for both projects, with decisions pending after further testimony and public comment.
Archbald, Pennsylvania, is conducting a series of public hearings this week to review two significant development proposals: a 400-megawatt natural gas power plant by Essential Energy LLC and a large data center campus comprising seven buildings from Project Green Mountain (Green Mountain 6 LLC). These hearings are part of the Archbald Council's process to consider conditional-use applications for the projects, which require developers to demonstrate compliance with local zoning regulations.
The Essential Energy power plant, located on Eynon Jermyn Road near their proposed Project Boson data center, has faced considerable criticism from residents over the conceptual nature of its plans. Andrew Markle of KCI Technologies, representing Essential Energy, testified on power plant operations and safety features. He is expected to face further cross-examination from attorneys representing opposing residents, including Justin Richards of Elliott Greenleaf PC, Stop Archbald Data Centers co-founder Tamara Misewicz-Healey, and Valley View School District Solicitor Kyle Callejas.
Project Green Mountain's proposal involves building seven two-story data centers on a 271-acre site at Stavola Quarry. This project is projected to consume 525 megawatts of electricity and up to 14,000 gallons of water daily from Pennsylvania American Water for domestic use, with 196 backup diesel generators storing nearly 2 million gallons of fuel. Past hearings have focused on utility demands, air emissions from generators, and noise, with a sound study indicating compliance but still facing scrutiny. Attorney Jeffrey Wilhelm of Reed Smith LLP represents Project Green Mountain.
The ongoing debates highlight concerns over the level of detail provided by developers versus the specific information sought by residents and the council regarding zoning, environmental protection, and community impact. Other developers like PNK Group and DBT-Data are also exploring data center expansions in Archbald and nearby Jessup, contributing to a total of 51 data centers formally proposed in the borough across several projects. The Archbald Council will accept public comments before making any final decisions.