Data Center Noise Lawsuits Target Facilities' Operations

Data center operators are facing a growing threat from noise-related lawsuits that target their facilities' operations rather than their development. In Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, Microsoft is being sued by residents who claim the company's data center emits a low-level hum that affects their quality of life and property values.

The lawsuit, which was filed in early June, alleges that Microsoft could have prevented or mitigated the noise issue by using soundproofing equipment, acoustic barriers, and other measures. The complaint states that 'a properly operated, maintained, and/or constructed Data Center will contain, capture, or otherwise prevent the emission of excessive noise from its generators and cooling systems.'

This is not an isolated case, at least half a dozen noise-related lawsuits against data centers have been filed this year. Similar cases have been brought against companies such as xAI in Mississippi, Vineland, New Jersey, Dowagiac, Michigan, North Tonawanda, New York, and Hood County, Texas.

The use of nuisance and negligence claims to stop what plaintiffs say are factors the data centers could have controlled is a new development. Data center operators may be on the hook for millions in damages if these lawsuits succeed, as was seen in an environmental case against Amazon that settled for over $20 million.