The 5.1 million square foot data center proposed for a 410-acre site bordered by Cedar Crest Boulevard, Orefield Road, Mechanicsville Road and Mauch Chunk Road elicited comments from residents at the Feb. 17 school board meeting.

Plans include six buildings, a 300-400 megawatt substation and 356 diesel generators.

A portion would be right across the street from the high school. The business would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In materials provided by district resident Greg Sussman, the data center would create a constant, low-frequency droning hum, even if the generators are run intermittently.

Joel and Laurie Gilley, who reside along Mauch Chunk Road in Mechanicsville, told The Press their greatest concern about the data center would be harmful effects on Parkland students, particularly athletes or anyone else outside the building.

Laurie Gilley noted the 356 diesel generators would emit fuel odors and noise right across from the high school. She also has a personal concern on the matter.

“A large piece of it will be right across the street from our house,” she said.

Along with the noise and emissions, she is concerned about their well, as the data center consumes huge amounts of water.

“The size is mind-boggling,” Joel Gilley said.

Scientists Dr. Petra Frese and Dr. Dirk Frese expressed concerns about the data center to The Press.

Dr. Dirk Frese, a biochemist, addressed the issue of electromagnetic radiation which would affect not only students outside but would penetrate the building in the same manner as radio waves.

He explained exposure to EMR could cause headaches, fatigue, memory loss, cognitive impairment and mood changes leading to depression.

He said not enough data has been provided to determine the amount of EMR which would be emitted near the high school.

Dr. Petra Frese is an engineer in biotechnology who also holds a doctorate in psychology. She works in the mental health profession and said she is worried about students and the effects of EMR on their learning capabilities and mental health.

Dr. Petra Frese reported a Japanese scientist, Dr. Masaru Emoto, wrote about harmful effects of EMR on the brain, water and even farm crops.

“Electromagnetic radiation harms the brain and the quality of water will be destroyed,” Dr. Petra Frese said.

Dr. Dirk Frese said, “Water structure of molecules can be affected by electromagnetic fields. The radiation can produce structural changes in crops such as corn and can have effects for cancer.

“We must try to avoid electromagnetic radiation as much as we can,” Dr. Dirk Frese said.

On a personal impact, Dr. Dirk Frese said the couple moved from Switzerland to South Whitehall Township where they admire the open space.

While consuming a huge amount of farmland and open space, the data center would lower the real estate values of everyone’s homes and property, Dr. Dirk Frese said.

During a time for public comment at the meeting, Laura Warmkessel said she is in favor of the data center. “Traffic will be minimal. It will help keep our taxes lower. If you can’t live with progress, you can move,” Warmkessel said.