Americans are growing furious over data centers, especially when these facilities are planned near their own homes.
As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for everyday tasks grows, so does the demand for data centers. These are the huge facilities that house servers, networking equipment, cooling systems, and other infrastructure meant to keep digital services running.
However, people living near these structures have raised concerns about the impact they have on local communities. Many worry about water use, higher utility bills, air quality, and noise pollution.
That concern appears to be shared by the public at large. According to a recent Heatmap Pro survey, 71% of Americans said they would oppose a data center project near their home, while 55% said they would “strongly” oppose it.
Many people focus on the environmental impact of data centers. But for those who live close to one, the noise can become its own issue.
Journalist Aya Miller (@ayathetigress) recently went near one such data center in Dowagiac, Michigan. In a video that got over 6.9 million views, she filmed a homeowner measuring the sound levels coming from the facility.
“This is the sound emitted 24/7 from a 30 megawatt data center in Dowagiac, MI measured from a homeowner’s porch,” Miller wrote in the video’s on-screen text.
The sound level meter appears to show a reading between 58 and 63 decibels. While that may not sound like an extreme noise level, the sound is constant.
In the caption, Miller added more context.
“Hyperscale Data Inc. recently announced they plan a substantial expansion of the facility,” she wrote. “Multiple residents have sued over the sound emissions.”
What’s Happening With The Data Center In Dowagiac, Michigan?
Hyperscale Data Inc. describes itself as a company that supports high-performance AI computing as well as Bitcoin mining and digital assets.
The company is also planning to expand its Michigan operations. In a recent announcement, Hyperscale Data said it was in advanced talks for a deal that would support 20 megawatts of AI compute capacity at its Michigan data center campus.
However, nearby residents are vehemently against the center’s operation.
As Miller reported for M Live, two residents near the data center at 415 E. Prairie Ronde St. are suing Alliance Cloud Services, a subsidiary of Hyperscale Data Inc. that operates the data center.
The complaint, filed May 26 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, alleges that the data center is “physically invading” nearby properties through “excessive noise.”
According to the complaint, Alliance Cloud Services has allegedly failed to use adequate soundproofing, acoustic barriers, low-noise cooling systems, or other measures to stop the sound from spreading beyond the property.
The lawsuit also claims the noise has interfered with residents’ ability to use and enjoy their homes and has reduced property values.
Viewers Were Outraged
In the comments section, viewers were disturbed.
“Is there literally ANYTHING we can do about this,” one user wrote.
Another said the problem could make it difficult for nearby residents to leave, even if they wanted to.
“Mind you, if you choose to move, you’ll never be able to sell that house. Ever,” they wrote.
Others saw the noise as a serious health and quality-of-life issue.
“This is a public health emergency,” one commenter said.
Another viewer was especially worried about children living near the sound.
“Think of infants and young children having to listen to this as their brain is developing,” they wrote.
@ayathetigress Hyperscale Data Inc. recently announced they plan a substantial expansion of the facility. Multiple residents have sued over the sound emissions. #kalamazoo #dowagiac #michigan #datacenters
BroBible has reached out to Hyperscale Data Inc., Alliance Cloud Services, and Miller for comment via email.