Amazon Data Center Gulps River Water Approval
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
On March 12, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to 16 water projects, including some big renewals and a water use increase for Amazon’s data center. They also updated their investment rules and approved new grants to support environmental efforts. These moves affect local communities and businesses by managing water use wisely and supporting conservation, with some changes kicking in right away.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Municipal Water Withdrawal Renewals
At the March 12, 2026 meeting, the Commission approved renewals of groundwater withdrawals for several municipal water suppliers, including: Bloomfield Borough Water Authority (up to 0.053 mgd, Well 2), Borough of Mifflinburg (up to 0.640 mgd, Well PW-1), City of Oneonta (up to 0.689 mgd, Well 1), Houtzdale Municipal Authority (wells TH-4 up to 0.580 mgd, TH-5 up to 0.430 mgd, TH-10 up to 1.150 mgd), Pennsylvania-American Water Company Philipsburg/Moshannon District (Trout Run Well 1 up to 0.530 mgd and Well 2 up to 0.720 mgd), Town of Erwin (wells up to 0.576 mgd each), and Veolia Water Pennsylvania (Paddletown Well up to 0.121 mgd).
Commercial Consumptive Uses Approved
The Commission approved consumptive-use renewals or applications for several commercial or industrial facilities in Pennsylvania, including Galen Hall Country Club (up to 0.249 mgd, 30-day average), Heidelberg Materials Wrightsville Quarry (up to 0.178 mgd, 30-day average), Highlands of Donegal (up to 0.249 mgd), Tyoga Golf Course (up to 0.249 mgd), Victaulic Company (up to 0.200 mgd), Mott's Aspers Plant (multiple wells and consumptive use up to 0.990 mgd peak day), and PEI Power LLC (surface withdrawals and consumptive use up to 0.530 mgd peak day).
Amazon Data Center Water Increase
On March 12, 2026, the Commission approved a modification allowing Amazon Data Services, Inc. (PHL100 Data Center Campus, Salem Township, Luzerne County, PA) to increase consumptive water use to a total of up to 0.129 million gallons per day (30-day average). This approval was recorded at the March 12, 2026 meeting.
Grant Amendment with New York DEC
On March 12, 2026, the Commission approved a grant amendment with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The action was recorded at the Commission's meeting on March 12, 2026.
Grant Agreement with National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
The Commission approved a grant agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation at its March 12, 2026 meeting. The Federal Register notice lists this approval without providing a dollar amount in the text.
KH Spring Waters Application Tabled
The Commission tabled (did not approve) the application from KH Holdings, LLC for KH Spring Waters, LLC (North Union Township, Schuylkill County, PA) seeking consumptive use of up to 0.075 mgd (peak day). This action was taken at the March 12, 2026 meeting.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09314 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run a water project in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Commission is reissuing 'grandfathered' registrations for certain projects, like Danville’s water system, during April 2026. This means some projects keep their old permissions without new fees or changes, but you gotta act within the set dates to stay in the clear.
2026-07199 — Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water use projects in March 2026, mostly renewing permits for companies to use millions of gallons of water daily. These approvals affect local businesses in Pennsylvania, allowing them to keep operating without interruption. If you’re in the area, expect these projects to continue smoothly, with no new fees or delays announced.
2026-07201 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run certain water projects in the Susquehanna River Basin, you needed to register by March 31, 2026, to keep your old permissions (called 'grandfathering'). This notice lists two companies that got their registrations approved, so they can keep using water without new permits. No new fees were mentioned, but missing the deadline could mean extra paperwork or costs later.
2026-05817 — Public Hearing
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is hosting a public hearing on April 23, 2026, where folks can speak up about water projects that might affect local water use. This is the only chance to give live comments before the Commission decides on these projects at their June 4 meeting. Written comments are due by May 4, so don’t miss your shot to weigh in on water withdrawals and renewals that impact communities in Pennsylvania.
2026-04864 — General Permit Notice
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several fish nursery projects in Pennsylvania during February 2026. These permits let groups withdraw specific amounts of water from local streams and wells to support fish farming without extra fees or delays. If you’re involved in water use or fish nurseries in this area, these approvals keep things flowing smoothly and on schedule.
2026-04863 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you have water projects in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is listing projects that got special 'grandfathered' registration during February 2026, meaning they’re officially recognized under old rules. This helps certain companies keep using water without new fees or permits, but only if they registered by February 28, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05821 — Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company
Some folks want to buy or keep shares in banks or bank companies, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications to make sure everything’s fair and safe. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until April 9, 2026, to speak up! This process helps keep banks strong and protects everyone’s money.
Next: 2026-05823 — Alaska Native Claims Selection
The Bureau of Land Management is officially approving land ownership transfers to Ahtna, Incorporated, an Alaska Native regional corporation, including both surface and subsurface rights near Cantwell, Alaska. This decision affects local Native groups and allows appeals within a set deadline. It’s a key step in honoring Native land claims under a historic law, with no immediate money changes but important for land control and future use.