Following a trend, North Manheim regulates data centers
North Manheim Township in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, adopted a new zoning ordinance to regulate data centers, including provisions for noise control and water consumption. This action follows a trend in the county, with major data center projects by Nebius AI in Butler Township and Amazon in Kline Township also being discussed.
North Manheim Township supervisors unanimously adopted an amendment to its zoning ordinance to regulate data centers, following a growing trend among Schuylkill County municipalities. The new regulations, effective Wednesday, define data centers and impose specific requirements for associated electric generating plants, energy storage systems, and fiber optic switch mechanisms.
Key provisions include strict noise control, mandating a sound study by an acoustical expert and setting decibel limits for daily, overnight, and weekend operations. To address water consumption, the ordinance requires data centers to use closed-loop cooling systems that recirculate water. The North Manheim Twp. Planning Commission reviewed the amendment, and no public testimony was offered during the hearing.
This regulatory action comes amid a surge of proposed data and AI centers in the region, with specific projects highlighted. Nebius AI, a Netherlands-based company, is progressing with a billion-dollar plan for an AI cloud facility in Butler Township's Highridge Business Park, which includes six buildings capable of generating 1.2 gigawatts of electricity. Nebius purchased the land for $187.5 million in May, although Butler Township officials noted that land development plans for the data center have yet to be submitted. Nebius AI representatives have expressed willingness to engage in a town hall meeting to address community questions.
Separately, Amazon is planning a data center, the Kline Township Innovation Campus, on a 380-acre tract at Route 309 and Interstate 81 in Kline Township. The project envisions nine buildings totaling 2 million square feet. Amazon acquired the land from the Brewster Company for $178 million in 2025 and anticipates creating 400 to 500 jobs, many requiring only community college certification.