DEP To Host Jan. 6 Public Information Meeting On Water Quality Permits For The A.I. Data Center Proposal In Archbald Boro, Lackawanna County [Some Of The 84 Data Center Buildings Proposed In NE PA]

On December 22, the Department of Environmental Protection announced a January 6 public information meeting on the proposed "Project Gravity" A.I. data Center in Archbald Boro, Lackawanna County.

The meeting will be held at Valley View High School, 1 Columbus Drive Archbald, PA 18403 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on Monday, January 12.

[Project Gravity is one of 84 A.I. data center buildings proposed in Lackawanna County.  Read more here [PDF of article].]

DEP will discuss its role as the reviewing and regulatory agency at the meeting. Presentations from DEP and of the developer, Archbald 25 Developer LLC, will be followed by a question-and-answer session with residents. 

The public meeting will give residents an opportunity to ask questions of DEP and Archbald 25.

The proposed data center site will consist of seven buildings, associated parking area, a substation and access roads in Archbald Borough. 

Currently, DEP is reviewing applications for a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit Application, No. E3502225-006, which would allow for filling in wetlands and waterways and a General NPDES permit, PAC350210, which would allow for earth moving on the site.

Community members who wish to ask questions at the meeting must register and submit proposed questions in advance.

 DEP will address all questions. To register, please contact Patti Monahan at pamonahan@pa.gov or 570-826-2511.

Copies of the Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit Application No. E3502225-006 and other supporting documents are available to view by appointment between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at DEP’s Wilkes-Barre Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701-1915. 

Appointments for scheduling a review at the Wilkes-Barre Regional Office may be made by calling 570-826-2511. 

The documents can also be reviewed on DEP’s Northeast Regional Office Community webpage.

Copies of the General NPDES permit, PAC350210, can be viewed at the Lackawanna County Conservation District at 1027 S Abington Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411. 

Appointments for scheduling a review can be made by calling 570-382-3086.

The public comment period for the Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit Application (No: E3502225-006) has been extended to two weeks and will end on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 

People with a disability or require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodations should contact Patti Monahan at pamonahan@pa.gov or the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 to discuss how DEP can meet their needs. 

Click Here for the DEP announcement.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Resource Links:

-- Scranton Times Chris Kelly Opinion: Welcome To ‘Data Center Valley’ - 84 A.I. Data Center Structures Proposed In Lackawanna County [PDF of Article]

-- In Case You Missed It: A.I./Data Center Articles - NewClips From Last Week - December 22  [PaEN]

Related Articles This Week:

-- DEP To Host Jan. 6 Public Information Meeting On Water Quality Permits For The A.I. Data Center Proposal In Archbald Boro, Lackawanna County [Some Of The 84 Data Center Buildings Proposed In NE PA]  [PaEN] 

-- PA Energy, Environmental, Citizen Advocates Call On PUC To Protect Ratepayers, Communities From Costs, Impacts Of A.I. Data Centers  [PaEN]

[Posted: December 23, 2025]  PA Environment Digest