Public health expert finds backup generators for data center campus in Archbald could have negative health impacts for residents
At a zoning hearing for the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center in Archbald, Pennsylvania, a public health expert testified about the potential negative health impacts from the planned 588 diesel backup generators, estimating annual health damages between $3 million and $124 million. The expert, hired by the "Stop Archbald Data Centers" group, highlighted concerns about air pollution. The developer's attorney questioned the report's scope within a conditional use hearing, while residents expressed frustration over the individual evaluation of multiple data center proposals.
Dr. Michael Cork, a public health expert from Harvard University and CEO of Empower Analytics Group, testified at a zoning hearing in Archbald, Pennsylvania, regarding the proposed Wildcat Ridge Data Center campus. Hired by the "Stop Archbald Data Centers" group, Dr. Cork presented findings that the 588 backup diesel generators planned for the facility could cause between $3 million and $124 million in annual health damages, citing concerns over fine particulate matter and other pollutants from diesel exhaust. He stated that the "exceptionally large scale" of the proposed system raises "material public health, safety, and welfare concerns."
The sixth conditional use hearing for the Wildcat Ridge project, proposed by Brooklyn-based Cornell Realty Management Group for a 500-acre site, drew hundreds of residents to the Valley View High School auditorium. Attorney Megan Haines, representing the developer, questioned Dr. Cork, emphasizing that a conditional use hearing is not a final development plan and that specific generator types and emission controls have yet to be finalized. Dr. Cork clarified his role was to present scientific health impacts, not to assess regulatory compliance or advocate for or against projects.
Residents expressed frustration that multiple data center proposals in Archbald are being evaluated individually rather than cumulatively, a concern they previously raised with Governor Josh Shapiro. The next hearing, scheduled for July 13, will feature testimony from a noise expert, continuing the lengthy conditional use process before the borough council makes a final decision on Cornell Realty Management Group's zoning request.