Environmental consultants prepare the studies that decide whether a data centre is approved, and on what conditions. In NSW, data centres above 15 MW are State Significant Development and need an Environmental Impact Statement addressing the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). Western Sydney applications draw detailed objections on noise, air quality, water and cumulative impacts, so the quality of these studies directly affects approval timelines.
The Role of Environmental Consultants in Data Centres
| Study | What it covers on a data centre |
|---|---|
| EIS preparation and planning | Coordinating the EIS, responding to SEARs, response to submissions |
| Acoustics | Continuous plant noise (cooling units), generator testing, construction noise and vibration, cumulative noise |
| Air quality | Generator emissions during testing and outages; dispersion modelling near sensitive receivers |
| Water | Water demand and supply, recycled water, stormwater quality, flooding |
| Biodiversity | Ecological assessment of the site and offsets |
| Traffic | Construction and operational traffic, heavy vehicle routes |
| Emissions and energy | Greenhouse gas assessment, energy efficiency, renewable supply commitments |
| Heritage | Aboriginal cultural heritage and historical heritage |
| Contamination | Detailed site investigations (published for STACK SYD01, for example) |
| Social impact | Community engagement and impact on nearby residents and facilities |
Key Issues in Current Assessments
These themes appear in the public record for current applications:
Noise
Cumulative and 24/7 operational noise is a recurring objection in Western Sydney. Submissions on the Mamre Road campus raise effects on sleep and learning at nearby schools. Microsoft's published post-construction acoustic testing at Kemps Creek (confirming operation within approved limits) is an example of compliance verification.
Air quality and generators
Large generator fleets (340 at S7, 842 to 852 at the Mamre Road campus) raise questions about testing emissions. Objections to Goodman's Project Atlas include technical concerns about generator testing thresholds and environmental protection licensing. For the Mamre Road campus, the NSW EPA requested more information in April 2026 (ACS).
Water
The Mamre Road campus EIS states about 22.4 million litres of water a year. Submissions cite Sydney Water advice that precinct water and sewer systems lack capacity. Victoria's September 2026 plan introduces design WUE caps for new applications.
Energy and emissions
Objectors frame energy use in household equivalents. Submissions on Project Atlas cite demand equivalent to about 780,000 homes. Applicants increasingly need to show renewable supply and grid impact mitigation, consistent with the federal Expectations and state frameworks.
Proximity to sensitive receivers
Victoria's plan requires a 150 m buffer from homes and avoidance of schools and childcare centres. NSW submissions focus heavily on schools and aged care near the Mamre Road precinct.
Regional and Commonwealth approvals
Large regional proposals may need referral under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. The Energy North off-grid proposal and Project Meridien (with an expected EPA referral) are examples.
Australian Environmental Suppliers
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Selecting a Supplier
- Data centre-specific experience with generator, plant noise and cumulative assessments
- Familiarity with the NSW SSD process, Victoria's DFP and council pathways, and the new NSW and Victorian frameworks
- Credibility with agencies (EPA, water authorities) and the ability to respond to requests for information quickly
- Community engagement capability
- Capacity to update studies through amended applications (the Mamre Road campus was substantially amended after exhibition)
Current Project Demand
| Project | Stage | Typical environmental work at this stage |
|---|---|---|
| NEXTDC S7 | Prepare EIS | Full EIS studies |
| CDC KC1 | SEARs | EIS scoping and studies |
| STACK SYD01 | More information required | Additional information on existing studies |
| Mamre Road campus | Amended application | Updated studies, EPA responses |
| Project Atlas | Response to submissions | Responses to objections and agency advice |
| Western Downs Digital Park | DA lodged | Council assessment information requests |
| Project Meridien | Environmental studies | Baseline studies; EPA referral expected |
Relevant Data Centre Projects
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