Multi-year construction projects such as the PAX-1 data center in Middlesex Township may worsen our area’s already poor air quality. Construction dust contains toxic air pollutants such as silica, soot (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. This dust travels miles from a construction site and visible assessment cannot determine the atmospheric levels.
Monitoring of the air quality is the only way to know if the air is unhealthy. In order to protect our area from the health risks of worsening air pollution, the Clean Air Board of Pennsylvania (CAB) has asked the developer and Middlesex Board of Supervisors to install an Air Quality Monitoring program (AQM) for the duration of the construction. CAB has requested the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to require the developer to fund and operate an independent Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) at the Middlesex Township construction site. Modifying construction during unhealthy air levels reduces health risks to the community and the workers regardless of the source.
Dr. Castrina of CAB will attend the August 19 meeting of Middlesex Twp. Board of Supervisors to request that the developer commit to installing an Air Quality Monitoring system throughout the remaining years of construction. If the developer is unwilling to do so, CAB plans to ask the Board of Supervisors to add an AQM system as a mandatory requirement for the approval of the current and future site plans and permits. Air quality monitoring and mitigation planning are well established risk management tools and numerous Air Quality Consultants are available who can advise and deliver an AQM system specifically designed for this project.
