Montour County Committee Advances Draft Ordinance for Data Centers
A Montour County committee of around 15 representatives is drafting an ordinance to regulate data centers. Meeting for the third time, the group reviewed initial drafts and discussed modifications. Attorney Jim Bathgate aims to complete the draft after a fourth meeting, which will then be sent to the Montour County Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners for adoption.
A 180-day moratorium on data center applications, imposed by county commissioners, will expire in May. The draft ordinance includes sound limits of 60 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night, with a suggestion by committee member Jeff Foster to lower the nighttime limit to 45 dBA.
The working draft will require feasibility studies for water needs and approval from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Additionally, the ordinance may include environmental impact assessments and considerations for traffic and wildlife.
