Seneca County shelves algae bill support, weighs biosolids and data center concerns
Seneca County supervisors discussed how to prepare for potential data center development, including possible impacts on electricity demand, cooling systems and local resources. The discussion was exploratory and did not identify a specific project, approve funding or adopt new restrictions.
Seneca County supervisors set aside a resolution supporting New York legislation on harmful algal bloom monitoring and used the committee meeting to discuss other environmental issues, including biosolids and potential data center development. Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Chair Kronenwetter said the county needed more substantial action than additional monitoring.
Supervisor Jeffrey Trout suggested an intermunicipal study of the benefits, drawbacks and environmental impacts of data centers, potentially focused on the former Seneca Army Depot. Supervisors also discussed cooling technologies and whether facilities would rely on the electric grid or generate their own power. No specific application, study funding or development restrictions were approved, and the discussion remained preliminary.