ARCHBALD, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The fourth conditional use hearing for a proposed 400-megawatt natural gas power plant in Archbald centered on a 92-page safety report.
Representatives for Essential Energy LLC are seeking approval to build the natural gas-fired facility on a 15-acre parcel along Eynon Jermyn Road. The proposed plant would sit on land formerly occupied by the Highway Auto Parts junkyard, adjacent to Staback Park. Across the street, a proposed Project Boson, a nearly 620,000-square-foot data center.
Tuesday’s hearing focused on testimony from W. Casey Deller, vice president of KCI Technologies, who prepared an operational safety report for the project.
Deller testified the report was the result of a multidisciplinary review completed in collaboration with the project team. He said the study identified potential hazards on a system-by-system basis, evaluated engineering and permitting requirements, and outlined a layered security approach that includes perimeter fencing, vehicle barriers, security guards and 24-hour surveillance.
Because the property is a former mining site, Deller said past mining activity would need to be investigated and considered but is not necessarily detrimental to development.
He also testified that, despite the lack of final engineering plans, it is his opinion the site is suitable for the proposed project and meets applicable state, federal and county requirements. However, he acknowledged the report is conceptual because specific equipment and final site design have not yet been selected.
Much of the hearing focused on language within the report itself.
Council and parties questioned why the document repeatedly refers to a data center rather than a natural gas power plant. One section of the report states, “it is our opinion the site be developed for a potential data center,” without mentioning a power plant. Another portion describes two-story steel-framed warehouse-style data center buildings, parking lots, access roads and stormwater basins.
During cross-examination, Attorney Justin Richards asked Deller whether the report was conceptual because no equipment had been selected.
“That’s correct,” Deller responded.
Tamera Miseowicz-Healey later asked, “So once again yes or no, does this report tell us anything about their conclusion for a natural gas power plant yes or no?”
Deller replied, “Are the words natural gas power plant in there? They are not. However it does not negate the documentation.”
Deller maintained the project was studied “in totality,” explaining that the review covered approximately 70 acres on one side of the road and 17 acres on the other, including both the proposed data center and power plant sites.
Additional questions were raised about natural gas service to the proposed facility. When asked whether UGI could use eminent domain to extend service or whether gas delivery to the site is guaranteed, Deller said he could not answer those questions.
Attorneys representing objectors also requested additional time to cross-examine Deller, arguing they received the 92-page report only minutes before Tuesday’s hearing and did not have adequate time to review it.
The conditional use hearing is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, August 18.