Large Technology Projects Generate Community Concerns Regarding Impacts

Across New York State and the country, communities are seeing a wave of major technology-based development projects: semiconductor fabrication plants, battery manufacturing facilities, data centers, and cryptocurrency mining operations, to name a few. While these projects often promise substantial economic investment and job creation, they can also have significant and lasting impacts on local environments, infrastructure, and quality of life.

The Growing Footprint of Large Tech Projects

As industries evolve and global supply chains shift, high-tech manufacturing and energy-intensive operations are increasingly moving into new areas, including rural and suburban communities. These projects tend to require massive amounts of land, energy, and water, and often involve hazardous materials or environmentally sensitive processes. Communities are rightly starting to ask questions about what these developments mean for their health, safety, and long-term sustainability.

Common Environmental and Community Impacts

Whether it's a chip manufacturing facility, a cryptocurrency mining farm, or a large-scale data center, these types of developments often raise concerns under New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), including:

• Air and water quality impacts

• Energy and water consumption

• Wastewater discharge and treatment needs

• Wetland disturbance or habitat destruction

• Noise and light pollution

• Traffic congestion and infrastructure strain

• Cumulative impacts on surrounding neighborhoods

These impacts can be especially significant when projects are proposed near residential areas, sensitive ecosystems, or communities already burdened by pollution or inadequate infrastructure.

A Public Process with Real Power

In New York State, SEQRA gives the public the right to participate in the review process for projects that may significantly affect the environment. This includes the right to:

• Review Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)

• Submit public comments

• Attend hearings and voice concerns

• Propose mitigation or alternatives

These steps aren't just formalities, they're legal mechanisms that can lead to real changes in how a project is built, operated, or approved.

Large tech projects can offer meaningful opportunities for economic development, but only if they are planned transparently, reviewed thoroughly, and implemented responsibly. Public engagement is essential to making sure growth does not come at the expense of environmental protection, community character, or public health.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Navigating SEQRA and other environmental regulations isn’t easy. Large-scale developments often involve:

• Complex scientific data and technical reports

• Multiple government agencies and overlapping jurisdictions

• Strict deadlines and procedural rules

An experienced land use and environmental attorney can help you participate effectively in this process—whether you're a concerned resident, an advocacy group, a municipality, or a business. Legal guidance ensures your voice is heard, your comments are properly submitted, and your interests are protected in both the administrative and judicial arenas.

If you're concerned about a major project proposed in your community or if you're seeking to participate in the SEQRA process, our firm can help ensure that growth happens responsibly, transparently, and lawfully.

Please contact Jacob H. Zoghlin at 585-258-2834 or jzoghlin@underbergkessler.com if you have questions about SEQRA, need assistance with the process, or are seeking guidance with an environmental, land use, or zoning matter.