The proposed ordinance addresses how data centers may be developed in Granville Township, including issues such as water use, noise, energy demand, environmental impacts, emergency services and public participation in the approval process.

While Sentinel deadline restrictions limited coverage for today’s publication, Thursday’s meeting drew significant community interest, with the Granville Fire Department assisting with parking for an estimated 300 residents in attendance.

Township solicitor Fred Lighty outlined the ordinance draft, which will be refined based on feedback before submission for formal review. That process would begin a 30-day review period before returning for a public hearing and potential adoption.

Any final vote would occur at a future public meeting following that review process. Lighty said that date would be announced publicly at a later time.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Pennsylvania governor Green Party candidate Tony Dastra of Lancaster speaks to the Granville Township board of supervisors.

Regarding the ordinance, “I took what I thought was the strictest idea from any ordinance and put it in here,” Lighty said.

While lengthy public comment was anticipated, officials cautioned that excessive changes could delay the process.

“The more questions we ask and the more stuff we try to change, the longer it’s going to take,” Lighty said. “It’s going to create delays … and could possibly cost us losing everything in the end.”

Throughout the meeting, residents repeatedly raised concerns about environmental impacts, particularly water use, wastewater treatment and potential pollution. Officials acknowledged that key technical details remain unknown because developers have not yet provided full project specifications.

“We don’t know the quantity or quality of what’s coming in,” Lighty said, adding that impacts would be reviewed through sewer and water authorities and engineering review processes.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Granville resident Jenna Youtzy reads her list of questions to the Granville Township Board of Supervisors and meeting attendees.

The ordinance would classify data centers as a conditional use, allowing the township to impose additional requirements if necessary.

The proposal focuses heavily on protecting nearby residents — defined as “sensitive receptors,” including homes, schools, hospitals, parks and places of worship.

Among the most significant provisions are environmental safeguards. Developers would be required to demonstrate that water use would not harm nearby wells, streams or groundwater and would be prohibited from using groundwater if public water is available.

“A determination that the proposed water system poses no adverse impacts on the quantity and quality of water in nearby wells, streams and groundwater is required,” Lighty said.

Wastewater would also be regulated, with applicants required to verify that public systems can handle discharge and barred from releasing untreated water into stormwater systems.

Sentinel photo by SAM BAUMGARDNER
Pennsylvania State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff speaks to the crowd.

The ordinance also addresses heat and noise, Lighty said. Developers would be required to submit a thermal impact mitigation plan and conduct both pre- and post-construction noise studies.

“You’ve probably all read the stories where a data center isn’t over the noise limit, but there’s a low vibration hum,” Lighty said. “This gets rid of the hum.”

Sound levels would be capped at 40 decibels at night and 45 during the day — limits Lighty described as “exceptionally low.”

The proposal also includes a 400-foot setback from sensitive receptors, along with landscaping buffers and screening to reduce visual and noise impacts.

Lighting would be tightly controlled, with limits as low as 0.1 foot-candles near homes.

“It’s just a faint glow,” Lighty said.

Energy use is another major focus. Developers would be required to submit detailed energy plans and report efficiency and emissions data to the township.

“The applicant shall monitor and report energy efficiency and emissions data to the municipality on a regular basis,” Lighty said.

He also noted that data centers may be required to pay the full cost of their electricity use.

“Any data center must pay for all of their electric costs so it doesn’t spread to the residents,” he said.

The ordinance also addresses electronic waste, emergency response planning and fire safety, including requirements for coordination with local responders and specialized training.

Finally, the proposal includes a decommissioning requirement to ensure facilities are dismantled if operations cease.

“They don’t just walk away from the buildings,” Lighty said.

Developers would also be required to post financial assurance equal to 110% of the cost of removing structures and restoring the site.

The meeting included a lengthy public comment period that lasted beyond The Sentinel’s deadline. Further coverage will appear in a future edition.