Muncy Township’s updated data center ordinance now online for public’s perusal
Muncy Township has published a proposed data center ordinance establishing conditional-use requirements, building standards, setbacks, environmental reviews and infrastructure criteria. The rules address residents' concerns about noise, lighting, water depletion and pollution, while requiring water-efficient closed-loop cooling systems and protections for utility ratepayers.
Muncy Township has posted a 20-page data center ordinance drafted by its Planning Commission. The proposal would allow data centers as conditional uses in industrial zoning districts, subject to reviews covering compatibility, traffic, noise, glare, emergency access, building size, setbacks and potential effects on taxpayers and utility ratepayers.
The ordinance responds to concerns from residents near a proposed data center about noise, lighting and impacts on water supplies. It would require a 100-foot vegetative buffer, environmental and water-impact reviews, monitoring and remediation plans, and would prohibit the use of potable township wells for cooling. Applicants would need to prioritize existing water lines, use river or stream water for nondomestic needs, and employ closed-loop, water-efficient cooling systems. The proposal also includes requirements for energy infrastructure, communications, emergency management, traffic, parking and eventual facility decommissioning.