While it is a good idea to bring to light negative impact topics to the Supervisors, use Monroe Township's own Comprehensive Plan to increase credibility and build a stronger argument.

Why? A Comprehensive Plan is the township's approved framework for ensuring balanced growth which preserves natural resources and resident's quality of life.

Who needs to follow what's in the Comp Plan? Every member of the township: Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, Supervisors, Township Engineer, Zoning Officer, etc.

Click the link to the Monroe Twp Comp Plan with key sections highlighted and maps noted below.

HOLD THE SUPERVISORS ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR OWN DOCUMENT. 

This is how you work within the municipal system!

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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHEAT SHEET

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Here are the areas I've highlighted in the PDF:

Executive Summary

Identifies objectives that all Monroe Township officials are to ensure happens.

Section 1 Natural Features & Environmental Analysis

Opening statement conveys their philosophy on protecting natural resources.

Section 1.4 Hydrology

Talks about how groundwater feeds the Yellow Breeches and Conodoguinet depending on the location in Monroe Twp. Includes a map which I've noted the data center property location for reference.

Section 1.7 Geology & Groundwater Resources

The data center land parcels are on the Elbrook formation which is primarily limestone which is prone to sinkholes. Also has fissures that allow stormwater to filter down into the groundwater reserves. I have several things highlighted through this section that could be concerning - for example a notation about the likely need for blasting to excavate.

Estimates on how much water is available in the groundwater resources and notes water is discharged to streams. Don't miss the charts (Table 1-3 and Table 1-4) that specifically calculates water availability in the Elbrook Formation.

Note the reference to the Locust Point Quarry Groundwater Investigation of 2002. Illustrates how industrial development can affect wells. It's not an apples to apples comparison but an interesting read. Especially if the data center proposes that it will ask for a waiver of the public water/sewer requirement.

Section 1.9 Onsite Sewage Disposal

Identifies situations that can lead to health hazards and public nuisances. Be sure to look at the map where I identified the data center land parcels. The map shows the soil types.

Section 1.13 Water Infiltration Capacity

More about soils impacting groundwater. Also notes that Monroe Twp is in the Yellow Breeches Watershed.

Section 1.14 Natural Diversity Inventory

Species of special concern identified in Monroe Twp. and identifies the proximity to Trout Run Preserve in Upper Allen Twp.

Section 1.15 Natural Features and Environmental Analysis Summary

States importance of protecting the Yellow Breeches

Section 5.2 Community Facilities and Services

Notes Monroe Elementary School - there is also a map showing location proximity to the data center land parcels.

Section 5.3 Public Utilities and Services

Identifies electricity and natural gas suppliers in Monroe Twp

Section 5.4 Community Water Supplies

Identifies the public water suppliers and where their water comes from. United Water Pennsylvania is noted as the supplier for Meadows of Ashcombe - I'd assume this is a possible connection for the data center. They could propose paying for the connection which might include a new pumping station near their property.

Check out the map showing the location of both water supplies and wastewater treatment plants. The data center could install connections to Monroe Township Municipal Authority (Southern Sewer Service Area) which uses South Middleton Township Municipal Authority for treatment. It discharges into the Yellow Breeches.

In case the data center developer proposes onsite wells, read through that info.

Section 5.5 Wastewater Treatment

Gives more details about the inter-municipal agreement with South Middleton Twp and what happens there.

Section 6.9 Land Use & Zoning

Review the zoning map which confirms the data center parcels are meant for Residential development. This is important because data centers are required in Monroe Twp to be built on either Industrial or Highway Commercial zoned land.

Section 7.5 Regional Perspectives

Lists adjacent municipalities. All could be impacted by the data center.

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If you have trouble downloading the PDF, you can view the Comprehensive Plan online: https://cms6.revize.com/.../COMPREHENSIVE%20PLAN%20UPDATE...