The Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus proposal has stirred significant debate among residents, as concerns about noise pollution and a substantial $17 million community benefit offer from the developer take center stage. The latest public hearing devoted four hours to scrutinizing the sound study methods employed by Cornell Realty Management’s consultants, a critical step in the borough’s conditional use process.
The ambitious project involves building 18 data center facilities on over 500 acres near Wildcat Road and Business Route 6. To proceed, Cornell requires zoning approval from the local borough council. In a meeting attended by approximately 400 people, Cornell’s legal representative, Edmund Campbell Jr., proposed a $17 million community benefit agreement, which was met with groans from the audience.
The Sound Study
Cornell’s sound experts, Caitlin Omsbee and Alex Hornecker, conducted an ambient noise study using sound level meters across 19 locations close to the proposed site in Archbald. They recorded sound over several weeks in April, with each meter capturing data for 48 hours. These measurements helped create sound contour maps for the campus, projecting levels between 37 to 42 dBA around the buildings. To provide context, Omsbee explained that 65 dBA is comparable to the noise of a lawnmower, while 55 dBA resembles a refrigerator’s hum.
During cross-examination, Attorney Justin Richards highlighted a compliance issue, pointing out that the equipment used did not meet ANSI certification standards as required by borough ordinance. Omsbee defended their methodology, stating they followed the borough’s approved protocol. However, she admitted that not all meters held the necessary ANSI certification.
The borough’s zoning ordinance regulates dBA levels, including:
- 55 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in residential districts.
- 65 dBA in the commercial district or R-C district at all times.
- 50 dBA in all other districts at all times.
Any project sound five decibels above the determined ambient noise level is a violation of the zoning ordinance.
Concerns about inconsistent data and equipment calibration were raised by Tammy Misewicz-Healey, which Campbell attributed to sending the wrong draft of the sound study.
Noise from 588 Generators
The sound study also projected noise levels if all 588 diesel generators were operational simultaneously—a slight increase from the initially planned 574. Misewicz-Healey questioned the potential health and safety implications, pointing out that generators are exempt from zoning noise standards during emergencies or testing. Campbell insisted on adherence to objective criteria, sidestepping subjective health concerns.
‘Big as a Bus’
Larry Marchetti, a newly appointed member of the Archbald council, expressed his apprehension about the scale of the proposed generators, equating them to the size and power of a freight locomotive. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the project’s impact. Campbell assured that more details would be provided if the project advances to the land development phase.
‘Every Development Has Some Impact on the Community’
Campbell outlined the proposed community benefits agreement, including:
- $2 million to the borough upon preliminary land development.
- $2 million upon final land development approval.
- A $6 million payment within 30 days of the first building permit issuance.
- $500,000 for every building that becomes operational.
This proposal aimed to equip the borough with resources to address the project’s community impact. However, many residents voiced their dissatisfaction. Debbie Calpin criticized the development as an industrial transformation, while Janessa Bednash questioned the reliability of Cornell’s assurances, citing repeated delays in providing crucial information.
The hearing was adjourned and will continue on June 15 at Valley View High School.
