A planned data center complex in Nesquehoning received approval for a special exception permit that allows the company to continue with preparing for its upcoming project.

On Monday, Bitfarms Ltd. came before the Nesquehoning Planning Commission regarding its application for the variance of the property, located off Industrial Road at the far west end of the Hauto Valley Estates.

Bitfarms, which acquired the former Panther Creek Cogeneration Plant last year, is proposing constructing four 315,000-square-foot buildings on approximately 90 acres stretching from just off Dennison Road along Industrial to near the beginning of the industrial park.

The site has been named the Carbon node east, with a second location that would be a separate phase and include only one building on Panther Creek land, named Carbon node west.

Liam Wilson, chief operating officer for Bitfarms, as well as several of his team, addressed the planning commission and answered any questions they may have regarding what is planned and why the special exception is needed.

“In our time in your community, we’ve been awed by the spirits of your people,” Wilson said. “We are incredibly proud of the significant impact that we’ve had in Nesquehoning in this very short time and look forward to growing our relationships and continuing to help in anyway we can, whether it be our three-year investment commitment to the Panther Valley School District to continue the fantastic work they do, or to our team helping with the food bank, or to our most recent Christmas activation, giving presents and some Christmas cheer to more than 500 students, or even lending our snow plows to help with the recent storms. We will continue to be involved in Nesquehoning from the ground up.

“... We have brought together a top tier team of engineers, architects, designers and environmental consultants to make sure we get this done right,” Wilson continued. “We want this facility to be the industry leader in standards across the board and we will work with the community to ensure that it is a win-win.”

He added that when all buildings are completed, there will be approximately 297 family sustaining jobs right in the borough that can help the community, current residents and future generations.

Rachel McCune, civil engineer for the project, provided a brief overview of the plans for both nodes, and addressed the comments from the company’s application that was received from Greg Haas of Keystone Consulting Engineers, the borough engineer for planning and zoning.

Traffic, taxes

The commission asked questions regarding a number of things, including mitigating a possible issue with traffic at the intersection of Route 54 and Industrial Road, noise levels, and tax breaks that the governor recently proposed.

Wilson and McCune answered the questions, explaining that initial testing has been completed with further studies regarding traffic planned, but would work with the borough to make sure officials are comfortable with the solutions for these matters.

With regards to noise levels, Bitfarms officials provided studies regarding current ambient noises at the site, decibel levels for the area and what will be done to maintain the lowest possible decibel level at the business site.

Wilson also stressed that while the state may be in initial talks for making data centers tax exempt, Bitfarms plans to pay what they owe.

“We plan on paying whatever tax is due,” Wilson said. “We’re not going to let the community that let us in be high and dry. We plan on paying. ... We’re going to do the right thing by this community.”

Wilson’s team also stressed that they do not want to put a strain on the electrical or water supplies in Nesquehoning, noting that the new PPL line coming into the property has been paid for by Bitfarms and plans for the initial water fill for the cooling system will be water getting trucked in from water suppliers.

Following the discussion, Gerald Heffelfinger, president of the planning commission, reminded those in attendance that the meeting was to make a recommendation on the zoning application that Bitfarms had submitted for the special exception permit.

He added that this matter also comes before the zoning board tonight at 6, then opening the floor to any residents who would like to ask questions.

Linda Christman, president of Save Carbon County, asked a few questions regarding water usage and the current zoning for the property in question.

Officials told her that what differs with this plan is that they are proposing a closed system, which drastically cuts down on the daily water usage.

It is proposed that 3,000 gallons a day will be needed, with most of that being used by employees for things like flushing toilets, washing hands and other water use needs.

Borough resident Rose Chapello also addressed the commission and voiced her support for the project.

“I think it’s really good for our community,” she said.

The commission then approved the special exception permit and voted to update its new data center ordinance with some minor changes before presenting it to borough council for formal adoption.