Amazon Data Center Proposal Raises Questions Ahead of July 14 Public Meeting in Falls Township

Residents in Falls Township, Bucks County are preparing for a closely watched public meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, as Amazon moves forward with plans for a large‑scale data center at the former U.S. Steel Fairless Works site. The meeting, hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), will run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pennsbury East High School Auditorium, 705 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills, PA.

Before the meeting, Amazon will hold a Plans Display Open House from 4:00 PM to 5:45 PM in the school cafeteria, offering residents a chance to review site materials and speak directly with project representatives.

A Project Larger Than Many Expected

While Amazon has not yet released full specifications for the facility, early indicators suggest the data center could be extremely energy‑intensive. Estimates based on diesel generator load point to a potential demand of approximately 1,100 megawatts — a scale that places the project among the largest data centers in the country.

For context, the nearby Fairless Works power plant produces roughly 1,300 megawatts, historically supporting U.S. Steel operations and now feeding the regional grid. The plant has long been known as one of the region’s most significant greenhouse gas contributors, raising questions about how additional load from Amazon might impact emissions, grid reliability, and long‑term environmental planning.

Water usage is another open concern. Data centers often require substantial volumes of water for cooling, and residents are seeking clarity on how much Amazon may request from the Delaware River. An OPRA request submitted to the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) revealed that Amazon will rely on the Township of Falls Authority to obtain water consumption approvals. Any significant withdrawal could require a vote from DRBC commissioners — the governors of the basin states plus the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

How We Got Here: A Timeline of Approvals

March 2025:
The Falls Township Board of Supervisors approved modified land development plans submitted by North Point Development — now understood to be Amazon Data Services, Inc. The plans originally described warehouse construction but were later revised to accommodate a data center.

August 2025:
The Zoning Hearing Board granted a noise variance, a key requirement for facilities that rely on large generators and cooling equipment.

2026 – Community Reaction:
Many residents say they believed the project was a standard distribution warehouse. As details emerged, community concern grew rapidly. A petition opposing the data center has gathered nearly 4,000 signatures, prompting township officials to explore hosting a town hall. A planned June 23 meeting was cancelled and is expected to be rescheduled.

Public Participation and Deadlines

Residents are encouraged to submit presubmittal questions to PADEP by July 8 at ra-epseroaqpub.com.
PADEP will accept public comments for approximately 30 days after July 8, giving residents time to review materials presented at the July 14 meeting.

Even if the presubmittal deadline has passed, officials note that questions and comments are still welcome.

Why This Matters for New Jersey Readers

Although the project sits just across the river in Bucks County, large‑scale data centers have regional impacts — from grid strain to water usage to air quality. Communities along the Delaware River, including many in Central Jersey, have a long history of environmental stewardship and cross‑state coordination. Organizations such as D&R Canal Watch (Rocky Hill, NJ) continue to monitor projects that may affect shared waterways and ecosystems.

Garden State Neighbors will continue following this story as more information becomes available.

D & R Canal Watch Contacts: Kip Cherry-  kcherry10@gmail.com  \  Bcc:barthlinda123@aol.com

More News from Raritan

• Espo's in Raritan - Taste of the Day See What's Cooking on This Daily Changing Menu of Savory Meals
• Somerset County History on the Green is July 18th and Open to the Public Somerset County invites families to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with live reenactments, demonstrations, and hands‑on colonial activities.