What does Save Carbon County do?

Save Carbon County is a civic nonprofit (501c4) organization here in Carbon County whose focus is on saving what we love about our communities: the clean air, water, and soil. We are committed to making sure that Carbon County is not filled with warehouses, polluted by chemicals, or ruined by development that replaces forests and threatens waterways. We achieve our goals through tireless advocacy and education. We field requests for representation from across the county. The size and scope of the threat posed by the proposed data center development in Penn Forest Township demand our attention, which is why we attend every meeting, standing shoulder to shoulder with the residents and voicing our concerns at every opportunity. The impact of the proposed data center development on the Lehigh River Watershed extends beyond the adjoining properties and poses a real threat to neighboring communities. We are representatives and spokespersons for the members of Save Carbon County who live in Penn Forest Township, for our members who live immediately adjacent to the proposed data center development, and for others throughout the county with a valid interest in preserving the unique environment of Carbon County as a whole. We are singularly focused on protecting the streams, aquifers, and the Lehigh River Watershed, as well as the beauty of our county’s landscape, all of which support the $500 Million annual eco-tourism industry that benefits the residents and businesses of this county. The property proposed for development as a data center is located on the very edge of the Pocono Plateau and includes environmentally important wetlands and marshes which give rise to Berry Run and Saw Mill Run. Berry Run is a trout fishery, and Saw Mill Run is an Exceptional Value stream. Surface waters originating within the 750 acres proposed for development provide a source of public drinking water via properties owned by the Lehighton Water Authority, the principal water supply for the Borough of Lehighton. The Lehighton watershed is adjacent to a 70-year conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy, maintained by the Bethlehem Water Authority to protect the quality of drinking water ultimately supplied to the citizens of the Lehigh Valley. This preserved watershed provides recreational water resources at Beltzville State Park and protects the Pohopoco Watershed. Pohopoco Creek is designated as a Class A Wild Trout Stream. Watersheds cannot be considered individually or only within municipal boundaries. An injury to one part of the watershed impacts the entire watershed. Preservation of these important watersheds also affects the aquifers serving Penn Forest Township residents who depend on wells for drinking water. Disruption of these protected watersheds affects the purity and quantity of water supplies within the Penn Forest municipality and beyond. The Lehighton Water Authority and Jim Thorpe Water Authority both have watershed lands near the proposed data center development. The land proposed for data center development is currently zoned Rural Residential and Low Density Residential and is unsuited to intensive industrial use. Making such a drastic change in zoning is unfair to landowners who bought their properties believing they would be situated near “like” uses. Any zoning change to such an environmentally unique area should be carefully considered after extensive environmental impact studies.

Both state and local governments have an obligation under the Environmental Rights Amendment of the Pennsylvania State Constitution to act as trustees to protect the right of all Pennsylvanians to clean air, clean water, and the enjoyment of natural resources. Save Carbon County will continue to represent our members who will be harmed by inappropriate data center development; to protect the wetlands and streams that will be impacted; to sustain watersheds and aquifers that provide essential drinking water; and to protect our county’s unique environment, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. To continue what we do, we need your support. Please donate or join today. Thank you.