LIMERICK TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A developer is looking to build a sprawling data center on an empty lot in Limerick Township, raising concerns from some local leaders and residents about environmental risks and costs.

The site, between the cooling towers of the Limerick Generating Station and the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, could eventually house a facility that supports artificial intelligence operations.

“The cloud is stored in these massive buildings,” says Township Manager Daniel Kerr.

Kerr says that the proposed data center meets local land use rules.

“This data center usage is permitted in the zoning district that they’re in,” said Kerr.

But it’s up to the local government to set parameters on what is built there, and how.

“The conditional use allows the board of commissioners to place additional conditions on a project,” said Kerr. “Setting height, sound and other related environmental standards.”

During that township meeting, developer MCD 7 LLC outlined plans for a nearly 1.5 million square foot data center.

An attorney representing the developer told township officials that a nondisclosure agreement prevented them from identifying which company would occupy the building.

State Sen. Katie Muth said she has heard hesitation about the project.

“I don’t know that I’ve spoken to one person who wants to be the test subject for this experiment,” she said.

Muth and others have warned about the potential strain a data center could place on local resources. Data centers typically rely on large amounts of electricity and substantial water usage to cool equipment.

“Innovation should not be harmful. We’re all going to have to pay attention,” she said.

John Quigley, senior fellow at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, said any proposal of this scale should be evaluated for its environmental and economic impact.

“What are the impacts in terms of air quality, noise pollution, light pollution?” he said.

Quigley also raised concerns about cost.

“Consumers are subsidizing these data centers. You’re paying more in your electricity bill because of data centers,” he said.

The developer’s attorney has not yet responded to a request for comment. At the public meeting, they noted the township could receive millions in tax revenue if the project moves forward.

A public hearing on the data center proposal is scheduled for February, and neighbors will have an opportunity to share during public comment.