Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is urging New York regulators to examine how large data centers could affect water supplies, lake temperatures and aquatic life as the state develops an environmental review of the industry.
The organization announced Oct. 27 that it submitted formal comments to the state Public Service Commission seeking a broader assessment of data centers and the electrical infrastructure needed to support them.
Its recommendations call for more involvement by the Department of Environmental Conservation and communities that could be affected by development.
The comments come as the commission examines environmental impacts associated with large electricity users and considers changes to how those customers connect to the power grid.
Water resources at the center of recommendations
Pure Waters wants the state to evaluate water consumption, stormwater runoff, wastewater and changes in water temperature associated with data center development.
The association also requested closer examination of potential effects on fish and other aquatic organisms. Its recommendations extend beyond individual properties to include air emissions, supporting energy infrastructure and surrounding communities.
The comments were developed by the organization’s Vulcan Committee. Pure Waters described the state’s draft review scope as a starting point while calling for greater participation by local governments, watershed organizations and residents.
The association cited proposed AI and high-performance computing development at the Greenidge facility in Dresden as an example of the issue’s relevance to the Finger Lakes.
State review covers industry and grid connections
The Public Service Commission adopted a draft scope Sept. 17 for a generic environmental impact statement addressing data centers, other large electricity users and proposed interconnection reforms.
A generic environmental impact statement examines broader environmental issues associated with a category of activities. The scope determines which issues the resulting study will address.
The commission’s draft already identifies water, groundwater, air, human health, plants and animals among the subjects for evaluation. It also includes effects on disadvantaged communities, agriculture, open space, community character, noise, odor and light.
The review is part of the state’s Energize NY Development proceeding, which addresses the process and costs of connecting large energy users to the grid. State officials have said the initiative is intended to modernize connections while protecting other utility customers from additional costs.
The commission’s September announcement set an Oct. 20 deadline for comments on the draft scope. Under the process it outlined, regulators would consider those comments before accepting a final scope defining the environmental study.
Documents are available through the Department of Public Service’s case record for proceeding 26-E-0045.
Public discussion planned for November
Pure Waters will continue discussing data center development during a webinar scheduled for Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.
Association President Bill Roege is scheduled to discuss potential effects on water quality and the environment. Registration is available through the organization’s Deep Dive webinar page.
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