Nesquehoning is preparing for the potential of a data center being constructed within the borough by working on better defining what requirements would need to be followed.

On Tuesday, the Carbon County Planning Commission reviewed Nesquehoning’s proposed zoning ordinance amendment that defines and adds specific requirements for data centers and accessory uses within borough limits, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection NPDES permit review for Carbon Node East Development LLC.

Ivan O. Meixell, the county planner who reviews such documents, recused himself for personal reasons.

David Bodnar, the director of planning and development, oversaw the review, noting that the NPDES review was completed by Greg Haas of Lehigh Engineering, while he reviewed the proposed ordinance.

“The Carbon County Planning Commission believes that the proposed data center zoning ordinance amendment represents a proactive approach to managing data center development in Nesquehoning,” Bodnar said.

The board voted to acknowledge that the items were reviewed and will be forwarded to Nesquehoning for inclusion in further discussion.

Nesquehoning has a borough planning commission meeting scheduled for Monday, and a zoning hearing slated for Tuesday regarding these items.

The borough began working on this amendment at the end of last year after plans for a data center off Industrial Road in the borough was announced by Bitfarms, the owner of Panther Creek Energy facility.