Residents express concerns over impact of western Pa data center runoff on area waterways

Residents and environmentalists in Homer City and surrounding areas of Cambria and Indiana counties, Pennsylvania, are expressing serious concerns regarding the potential impact of wastewater runoff from a large gas-powered AI data center. Construction is currently underway on the facility, and activist groups are drawing attention to the potential damage to local waterways, particularly Blacklick Creek.

Ashley Funk, Executive Director for the Mountain Watershed Association, stated that a new proposed amendment could significantly impact Blacklick Creek's waters. She claims that Homer City Redevelopment is proposing to discharge 6.54 million gallons per day into the creek, which would then flow through Blairsville into the Conemaugh River. Funk highlighted that Blacklick Creek, despite a long history of mine drainage, has been undergoing cleanup efforts and is classified as a trout stocking fishery, forming a key part of the Ghost Town Trail. The discharge is feared to contain contaminants like chlorine, biocides, and scale inhibitors, and could reach temperatures up to 110 degrees, making the creek uninhabitable for cold water fish like trout if 30% of the flow is at such a high temperature.

While the Mountain Watershed Association noted that upstream residents might have fewer immediate concerns, an official from Vintondale Borough Council urged all surrounding communities to question the water implications of the data center. Homer City Redevelopment responded, stating they take their responsibility seriously to ensure the safety and health of natural areas and resources near their project site. The Mountain Watershed Association is encouraging concerned residents to contact the DEP or Homer City Redevelopment during the comment period, which extends until August 10th, and is also advocating for a public hearing on the matter.