To the Editor:

I am writing to you regarding the Atlas Data Center and the lack of current avenues provided for public dialogue.

The several meetings of both the planning commission and the South Whitehall Township Commissioners that have included the Atlas project as an agenda item have provided for public comment.

But much like a conversation wherein only one person speaks, the lack of response, explanation or acknowledgment leaves one feeling unheard.

As an elected member of representative government, each of you have a mandate to carry out prescribed duties within the boundaries of regulations and laws.

Given South Whitehall’s stated mission and core values, you have pledged to represent the community’s best interests.

Please allow that pledge to manifest itself in honest and candid communication about this project, the accompanying concerns and risks for students and staff at Parkland High School, as well as the broader community.

While the responsibility of the SWT Commissioners to make a decision on an application for land use in the township is clear, the process and criteria for doing so are not.

Is there a checklist of criteria?

Is this decision impacted by the location of Parkland High School?

Does the fact that the community has already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the school location offset other criteria that might be used in decision-making about the data center?

What weight will be given to the “possibility” that the required drilling during construction could lead to damaged limestone, resulting in aquifer issues, sinkholes and ground-shifting impacts to neighboring on-site sewage treatment at the school?

A number of health care professionals have offered commentary at the sessions, speaking to concerns for those suffering with asthma, the dangers of lithium batteries in large numbers, the on-site storage of diesel fuel for 2,000 generators and the release of closed loop water into local waterways.

The potential for spills, ignition of flammable materials and other circumstances that occur in operational accidents could imperil those in the immediate vicinity.

The toxicity that might occur in such an event, potentially to both water and air, would require immediate and special remediation.

Does the township have the capability for an effective response?

Much commentary has been raised about “noise levels” and when and how measured.

Some citizens have provided sound replication of operating data centers and then asked if commissioner visitations to actual operating data sites will occur, both during regular operations and generator testing.

Does the decision-making process include such visits?

A recent Brown University study has provided early results indicating performance levels were negatively impacted at an elementary school one mile away due to a data center operation.

Students are susceptible in different ways to noise and vibrations based upon a variety of individual health conditions.

What mitigating actions will be put in place to prevent such “foreseeable” circumstances?

Given the possibility of related lawsuits, will the school district be granted immunity by the township?

On a related front, Parkland High School is located in South Whitehall Township, but comprised of students from Upper Macungie and North Whitehall townships.

The students and parents of these townships, much like those in South Whitehall, have a vested interest in the safety of their children.

Has any consideration been given to include the representatives/supervisors of our School District partners in conversations regarding the “concerns” that accompany the approval of a data center next to the school?

If not, could you help the community understand, why not?

In the overall decision-making process, a consideration of the “pros and cons” will, no doubt, need to be weighed. Could the “pros” be shared with the community?

While the opportunity for public comment has been generously provided and greatly appreciated, the community deserves to hear from the commissioners regarding the process for making a decision in this matter.

Will the opportunity for a public hearing with Atlas experts and community-provided experts occur?

Is an “advisory referendum” planned to inform commissioner decisioning?

While certainly not binding, assessing a fuller view of community opinion before reaching such a consequential decision can be viewed as prudent, as well as an exercise of sound judgment.

South Whitehall Township is “our” community … we all have a stake and ownership.

We, the electorate, placed you in a position to represent the community’s best interests.

To this end, please be reminded that approximately 3,000 students and hundreds of staff arrive at Parkland High School everyday to work and learn.

None do so with the thought that they may be placed at risk.

Please share how you might better inform us of how your representation in this important matter will proceed, while likewise providing public feedback on the several questions raised herein?

Gary P. McCartney

South Whitehall Resident