The Springhill Township Board of Supervisors delayed two key ordinances that would regulate data centers and fossil‑fuel power plant facilities within the township. The board cited state notice‑posting requirements and scheduled the votes for the regular monthly meeting on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., to be held at the Appalachian Community Center, 2390 Springhill Furnace Road, Smithfield.
Temporary application freeze
In the meantime, the board adopted a resolution prohibiting any new applications for a data center or power plant until after the next meeting. A related ordinance on noise and dust control was also approved.
Background and proposed restrictions
Township solicitor James Tomasy explained that drafting began after independent power producer Nadara entered a right‑to‑purchase agreement with the Fay‑Penn Economic Council for 800 acres near Gans. Under the proposed ordinances, data centers and accompanying power plants would be treated as conditional uses in the heavy‑industrial and light‑industrial zoning districts.
Current zoning allows any use not specifically defined as lawful—such as data centers—to proceed via a special exception. Power plants are also permitted in agricultural zones, which comprise most of Springhill Township’s land. Fifty‑two parcels are zoned heavy‑industrial or light‑industrial.
Proposed setback and noise limits
If adopted, data center structures would have to be set back at least 200 feet from property lines and 400 feet from occupied homes. Power‑generation facilities would face even larger setbacks—500 feet from the line and 1,500 feet from homes.
The noise ordinance would cap sound at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night, measured at the nearest property line. It also addresses sub‑bass vibrations, limiting 31.5 Hz frequencies to 65 decibels and 63 Hz to 60 decibels.
Local reaction
About 40 residents attended Thursday’s meeting, expressing concern that the restrictions might not be enough to keep data centers out of the community. Resident Jim French warned that state or county agencies could override local decisions, saying, “My concern would be that if they get to a point where they start to gain ground at the county or even at the state level… our township just gets steam‑rolled over.”
Supervisor Damon Hellen noted that code‑enforcement staff would be “very busy” but not overwhelmed, ensuring compliance if applications arise. He added that having a local ordinance gives Springhill Township an advantage over neighboring rural areas that lack such zoning tools.
Local landowner Paul Kokot, who owns five light‑industrial parcels, said he declined an offer to sell property for a data center because he “wouldn’t have been able to live with himself.” When asked if the board’s actions would halt development, he replied, “I think they’re trying to do something to help.”
Next steps
The board will consider the ordinances at the Sept. 17 meeting. No proposals or permit applications have been submitted to date, and the township will continue to monitor any future interest from developers.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
