Schuylkill County residents prepare for data center
Developers from Nebius are proceeding with plans for a large data center in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, meeting with residents to discuss the project. While Nebius emphasizes environmental protection and efficient resource use, local residents have ongoing concerns about water and electricity consumption, noise, flooding, and potential impacts on well water.
Developers from Nebius met with Schuylkill County residents at North Schuylkill High School to discuss the initial phase of their data center project. The company plans to build what they term an "AI factory," starting with two buildings and expanding to four over a three-year period on a 600-acre campus. Nebius officials stated their goal is to create a facility that benefits the county while minimizing environmental impact, including not burdening ratepayers with energy costs and using no more water or electricity than necessary, especially compared to older data center generations.
Despite these assurances, residents expressed ongoing concerns. Key issues raised included the data center's potential impact on water and energy use, particularly given a recent drought in the county. Residents are also worried about flooding, noise, stormwater management, and how construction might affect their well water.
Kevin Gruen, reporting for News Watch 16, noted that Nebius claims the facility will not use more water than other businesses in the park and that new generation data centers are more efficient. The company also stated they purchased their electricity directly through PPL, aiming to avoid burdening local ratepayers. Residents indicated they could support the project if their concerns were adequately addressed.