Find your way to plug in: keep Informed, donate time, show up, donate money


 


 

 

 

Land development

 plans submitted

 for Highland Street!

Land Development Plans for  2 data center buildings, sanitary pump station and an electric substation have been submitted by not approved. 


 

Data Center  Land

 Development  Plans  for 

Highland Golf Course 

coming soon!


 

IMPACT ZONES

 Impacts at 1 to 2 miles will affect:   

  • All of Hummelstown Boro
  • South Hanover Township, East of Route 39 
  • Lower Dauphin High School
  • Hershey West End 
  • Hershey Medical Center
  • Hershey neighborhoods west of Hockersville Rd

 

Noise:  Continuous noise that can travel up to 2.5 miles away, with the worst noise being within 3000 feet of the facility. The long-term impacts include hearing loss, stress, insomnia, and decreased quality of life.    Electrical equipment tonal noise can be particularly disruptive and the low-frequency noise from the cooling fans cannot be blocked using traditional sound barriers. 

Air Quality:  Diesel backup generators emit hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and ozone. These pollutants increase rates of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions, and elevate cancer risks among nearby communities .  Diesel exhaust is known to harm health - increased lung cancer risk, 32 cardiovascular disease, worsened asthma symptoms, and premature mortality.  In 2012, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) classified diesel engine exhaust as carcinogenic to humans.  A recent model indicates that the U.S. data centers in 2030 could contribute to nearly 1300 deaths annually, resulting in a public health burden of more than $20 billion.  

 

Decreasing Property Values:  Recent study from Sept. 2026

 


Impacts at 6+ miles will likely affect:

  • Oberlin
  • Bressler
  • Penbrook
  • New Cumberland
  • Paxtang
  • Rutherford
  • Hummelstown
  • Middletown

 

Heat Island Effect:  A Cambridge University professor found surface temperatures increased by an average of 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit after a data center started operations. In extreme cases, nearby temperatures increase by up to 16.4 degrees Fahrenheit.  Temperature increases affected areas up to 6.2 miles away, the research found.  

Chemical and Thermal Water Pollution:  If inadequately treated, these discharges could affect downstream water quality and aquatic life. 

Higher Electric Rates:  Increased demand for electricity is causing a spike in rates and straining the already overburdened grid.  PA electric rates have increased by as much as 30% since 2020 and increased 20% just last year.

Unknown Effects:  The full health and environmental impacts of data centers are largely unknown 


Local Meeting Calendar - Please Attend to Learn More and Voice Your Concerns

Decisions Made Locally Affect You Directly!


Subscribe

Sign up with your email address to receive township meetings reminders and action alerts
Sign Up
We respect your privacy.

Subscribe to