A plan to transform an Allen Township warehouse into a data center is so far a little short on details, according to an early review.
On Tuesday, the LVPC Comprehensive Planning Committee met to review the plan, which which aims to convert the warehouse at 2500 Liberty Drive into a data center, with site improvements including a substation and outdoor equipment areas on the property.
Commissioners voted to send a draft letter asking for more details to the full commission for a vote Thursday evening.
While data centers typically employ fewer workers on site than warehouses, and thus require less parking, the plans needs to lay out expected numbers of employees per shift, along with traffic from visitors, contractors and maintenance personnel, to ensure there is adequate parking, the letter says.
As is common with data center proposals, environmental impact was a top concern.
Though the data center would fall in an area intended for development, the LVPC appears adamant in a mission to preserve nearby farmland and the surrounding landscape.
Data centers are dependent upon cooling systems to keep equipment operational, and there can be significant differences in cooling methods.
Being that developers did not detail what system it would use — air-cooled, evaporative, hybrid or water-based — the LVPC could not determine what the demand for water would look like. Furthermore, it adds to the uncertainty of how much the data center’s usage could impact the quality and quantity of water available to residents.
The plans also lack details on battery energy storage systems, fuel storage and hazardous materials.
As such, the LVPC is requesting additional documentation about the type and location of all cooling equipment; the number, size and location of all generators; proposed sound reduction measures; hours and frequencies of generator testing; proposed lighting levels and shielding; and fence and screening design around equipment yards and the substation.
The LVPC noted substantial landscaping included in the plan, such as permitted planting, buffering and internal islands, which it considers integral for developments in an industrial area surrounded by agricultural and residential areas.
LVPC officials suggested developers consider a few native plant species in their landscaping over a few noted nonnative species. Beyond that, they suggested landscaping areas of excess parking or pavement.
With the proposed substation included in the plan, LVPC officials were also concerned about the electrical needs for the data center.
They requested additional information related to the total projected electrical demand at buildout; whether the proposed substation would be dedicated to the site; and confirmation from the utility provider regarding available capacity.
Commissioners also questioned who would provide sewer and water service, and if the service providers have verified they can handle the capacity.
Officials called for the site to be reviewed by local emergency service providers for safe access and navigation planning, and to ensure those routes would not be compromised by the new plans.
Additional questions about emergency response also popped up, citing the number of electrical systems, fuel and other dangers that could be present at the data center.
The committee said it was “unable to fully assess several aspects of the proposal that are relevant to FutureLV,” its master plan for the region.
Brian Myszkowski is a freelance writer.