The proposed Project Atlas data center development by Edged Data Centers continues to generate public debate in South Whitehall Township as residents raise concerns about environmental impacts, noise, wildlife, and transparency while township officials continue their review of the project.

The proposal calls for a five-building campus on vacant land south of Orefield Road between Mauch Chunk Road and North Cedar Crest Boulevard.

According to project materials, the development could represent billions of dollars in private investment and create both construction and permanent technical jobs.

During recent township meetings, residents have voiced a variety of concerns about the project.

At the April 15 Board of Commissioners meeting, resident Julie Thomases raised concerns about potential air pollution from diesel backup generators, particularly fine particulate matter known as PM 2.5.

Thomases said such emissions can contribute to respiratory illness, heart disease, and other health problems, and urged the township to commission an independent health impact study.

Resident Dan Poresky cited research suggesting large data centers can contribute to localized “heat island” effects.

He questioned whether the facility’s air-cooled design could increase temperatures and energy consumption in surrounding neighborhoods.

Alice Lenthe questioned public access to information regarding the project and encouraged the township to make documents and updates easier for residents to locate.

Lenthe also expressed concerns about the project’s noise study, arguing it may underestimate potential impacts on nearby homes, schools, and the environment.

At the May 20 meeting, resident Ryen Yanes argued that unresolved environmental and public health questions exposed weaknesses in the township’s land development review process.

Yanes questioned noise exemptions for emergency generators, raised concerns about private well protections, and referenced Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment.

Wildlife concerns were also raised during the June 3 meeting.

Resident Mary Ann Baldwin described frequent sightings of bald eagles near the proposed development site and presented observations she has documented since late 2024.

Township officials requested photographs and supporting documentation, noting that bald eagle nesting and breeding areas may be protected under state and federal regulations.

While residents have expressed concerns, township officials note that the property is already zoned Industrial and currently permits a variety of heavy industrial uses.

The proposed Planned Innovation Research and Technology (PIRT) Overlay District would establish additional design standards, buffering requirements, and development controls intended to encourage research, technology, and campus-style development rather than traditional industrial operations.

Former Commissioner Monica Hodges said the review process is functioning as intended.

According to Hodges, when township reviewers identify deficiencies, applicants often withdraw plans from scheduled meetings to address those issues before proceeding with public review.

Township Manager Tom Petrucci said the repeated postponements are largely the result of ongoing township reviews and the applicant’s need to respond to extensive comments.

“The meetings are getting postponed largely due to the timing of when township reviews are issued and the fact that the township has not recommended approval of this project in either of the two issued review letters to date,” Petrucci said.

Petrucci explained that township review letters are typically issued the Friday before a planning commission meeting.

For the June 11 meeting, the township released a review packet that included a 160-page review letter for Project Atlas and did not recommend approval.

According to Petrucci, the applicant requested additional time to review and respond to the comments before discussing the project in a public forum.

Other applicants scheduled for the same meeting also withdrew because township staff had not recommended approval of their projects.

As township staff, consultants, and the applicant continue working through the review process, Project Atlas remains under consideration, with additional public discussion expected at future planning commission and board of commissioners meetings.