Planners designate sites in Tamaqua and Schuylkill Twp. suitable for data centers
The Eastern Schuylkill Regional Planning Commission and participating municipalities adopted a zoning ordinance designating potential data center areas in Tamaqua and Schuylkill Township. The ordinance imposes limits on building size, noise, water and electricity documentation, while most residents who spoke at the hearing opposed data center development.
The Eastern Schuylkill Regional Planning Commission adopted Ordinance 2026-1 after unanimous votes by Tamaqua Borough Council and the supervisors of Tamaqua, Rush, Walker and Schuylkill townships. The ordinance designates a 1,500-acre area in Tamaqua and a 370-acre area in Schuylkill Township for potential data centers, while leaving Rush and Walker townships without designated sites. No data center has been proposed for either tract.
The rules require at least 30 acres per site, limit buildings to 50 feet, and impose noise controls and independent sound studies. Developers must also demonstrate adequate water and electric service, conduct water feasibility and hydrogeological studies where applicable, identify nearby wells and streams, and submit emergency response plans. At a public hearing, about 18 speakers raised concerns about water supplies, drought, electricity rates, noise and environmental effects; roughly 75 attendees appeared opposed, although Richard Vacula cited the economic benefits of regional data center investment.