Massive Power Line Across Schuylkill River Proposed To Power Limerick Data Center

LIMERICK, PA — A large energy transmission line that would cross the Schuylkill River has been proposed to power the controversial proposed data center in Limerick Township.

The mile-long electrical line and its right of way is just the latest concern for community advocates, environmentalists and others concerned with the impacts of poorly regulated data center development around Pennsylvania.

The Department of Environmental Protection has declined to schedule a public hearing on the issue, which almost always occurs on controversial proposals, and advocates are urging the public to submit a public comment to apply the necessary pressure.

The email is RA-EP-WW-SERO-105@pa.gov .

"Email (DEP) and specifically request that PA DEP hold a public hearing for the Limerick 67MW Distribution Project so that the public has a meaningful opportunity to ask questions and have their concerns addressed by state regulators and the applicant," State Sen. Katie Muth said. "The more people who make this request, the greater chance the hearing will be scheduled."

Specifically, the proposed power line would run from the PECO Lock Substation in East Coventry to the Schuylkill River and across it, and then would connect to another PECO line between Sanatoga Quarry and Limerick Generating Station. That right of way connects to the data center on Sanatoga Road in Limerick.

The deadline for comments to DEP is April 20.

The data center is one of two proposals in a small area in Limerick, which Muth has described before as a potential "Data Center Alley 2.0" for big tech due to its proximity to PECO infrastructure.

Opponents of the data centers point to the burden on the electric grid to power it and the local water grid to cool it. They also note air pollution from emissions and noise pollution from the constant running of the generators.

Like with other data center proposals, the big tech behemoth that would ultimately be the beneficiary of the Limerick projects has not been publicly disclosed. And though state officials like Sen. Muth and many local representatives have worked closely to advocate for the thousands of residents who oppose the projects, the proposals have both massive corporations and Gov. Josh Shapiro on their side.