A pair of developers are working on plans for what they call a \u201cresponsible\u201d data center in Northampton County that addresses concerns about environmental impact. But some members of the community remain skeptical.<\/p>\n
Peron Development and J.G. Petrucci Company Inc. have confirmed they are developing plans for a data center campus in Lower Mount Bethel Township \u201cdesigned to respect the township\u2019s rural and agricultural character while strengthening local revenues, safeguarding environmental resources, and generating long\u2011term community benefits,\u201d according to a release from the companies.<\/p>\n
The proposed campus will be located at the intersection of Martins Creek Belvidere Highway and Gravel Hill Road, though parcel details and the precise location were not immediately eleased.
\nPeron and J.G. Petrucci said they are focusing on a \u201csustainable model that meets the economy\u2019s growing digital infrastructure needs without altering the quiet nature of the township.\u201dThey claim the project will utilize advanced technology that will significantly reduce water usage compared to other large-scale data centers, and cover the cost of electricity capacity and transmission upgrades \u2014 including on-site generation \u2014 to protect locals from paying increased rates.<\/p>\n
Environmental factors have become a particularly hot topic as data center proposals pop up across the commonwealth and the rest of the country. And without upgrades to local infrastructure, the massive amount of energy needed to run a data center could lead to supply issues and rate increases for local residents, opponents worry.<\/p>\n
The Lower Mount Bethel project is designed to address that, its developers said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs experienced local development leaders here in the Lehigh Valley, we are taking a careful, community-first approach to exploring a potential data center in Lower Mount Bethel thatrespects the township\u2019s rural, agricultural character and reflects residents\u2019 priorities,\u201d said John Callahan, a former Bethlehem mayor and Peron Development director of business development.<\/p>\n
\u201cA thoughtfully developed data center project has the potential to generate significant benefits to the township budget, economy, and local schools. We want to make sure any project is as low-impact as possible by minimizing water usage, establishing buffers, and paying our way for energy needs. We look forward to working transparently with township officials and residents every step of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
What are the data center plans?<\/p>\n
The announcement from Peron and J.G. Petrucci states the data center campus would include \u201cnumerous design elements tailored to ensure a minimal footprint and align with resident priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of these elements include the preservation of the area\u2019s rural character, with promises to screen the buildings with large buffers, natural woodlands, berms, and setbacks to blend into the landscape; low-impact operations which would reduce traffic and noise around the facility, in\u00a0addition to noise reduction technology; state-of-the-art cooling systems with minimal water use, on-site storage, and stormwater capture, in addition to dark-sky compliance; privately funded power generation and infrastructure upgrades; and conservation and buffer areas to help preserve wildlife and open space.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project is being designed so that we, as the developers, will cover the costs of the necessary electricity capacity and transmission upgrades. As part of that approach, we areexploring potential on-site generation as a way to help protect local ratepayers and support system reliability,\u201d Callahan said. \u201cThe specific configuration and technology for any on-site generation are still being evaluated. Those details will be part of the formal development plans once engineering work is further along. Any proposal must\u00a0meet applicable state and federal standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for the water, Callahan said that final engineering details for the cooling system are still being refined, and \u201cthe goal is to rely primarily on highly efficient systems that minimize ongoing water demand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWater usage, sourcing, and environmental impacts will all be addressed as part of the standard permitting and review process, and more specific figures will be available once the engineering plans are finalized,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Peron and J.G. Petrucci said the data center campus, if approved, would lead to millions of dollars in new annual township and school district tax revenue; hundreds of job opportunities throughout construction and operation; contracting opportunities for local trades and small businesses; and private investment in local infrastructure.
\nOriginal plans for the facility were submitted and then withdrawn last month; the developers have stated detailed plans are anticipated to be submitted to Lower Mount Bethel\u2019s planning commission in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
They also established a website, www.lmbtechcenter.com<\/a>, where they will post updates and opportunities for residents to share feedback, attend informational sessions, and review project materials as they are developed.<\/p>\n Opposition effort growing<\/p>\n Despite the developers\u2019 efforts to address concerns for data centers, locals are still wary of the proposal.<\/p>\n Todd and Heather Rehrig, who live in the township, said they first heard whispers of the project around the start of February, with neighbors passing the news along.<\/p>\n Unsure of what to believe, the Rehrigs went to the township and found that yes, a proposal for a data center had been submitted, and then withdrawn with intention to refile.\n<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about less than one mile from our house,\u201d Todd Rehrig said, on agriculturally zoned land that borders the Delaware River.<\/p>\n