East Whiteland Halts Data Center Work Over Water Approval

East Whiteland Township in Pennsylvania has issued an immediate stop-work order for the Sentinel/Green Fig data center development. The order, issued on Wednesday, August 26, targets work under building Permit B-2026-221, which includes activities such as micropiles, footings, and concrete pads at the 13 South Bacton Hill Road site in Malvern. The township determined that the developer failed to provide required documentation confirming sufficient water availability for the project.

The halt in construction stems from the project's Land Development and Financial Security Agreements, which mandate that all necessary permits, approvals, and "will serve" letters from external agencies, such as utility provider Aqua, must be secured before starting improvements. According to Township Manager Steve Brown, who posted the order, Aqua's confirmation of water availability had not been received by the township as of August 26. The developer is now required to cease all work related to the specified permit and submit clear documentation from Aqua, which could be a signed agreement or a formal letter, before the permit can be re-issued for work to proceed.

This enforcement action adds a new permitting challenge for the Sentinel/Green Fig project, which is already subject to ongoing scrutiny from local residents. East Whiteland officials are actively responding to community questions about the development and are compiling details of the project's 2024 land-development approval for public release. The stop-work order specifically applies to one building permit, and the township clarified that it does not encompass all activities associated with the broader data center development.