Microsoft sued over noise complaints at new Mount Pleasant data center facility
Microsoft is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by residents in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, over excessive noise from its newly operational data center facility, 'Fairwater'. Residents complain about a constant low-frequency hum from the data center's cooling systems, as well as construction noise, dust, and light pollution from the ongoing development of the campus. Microsoft acknowledges the noise feedback and states that facility noise levels meet local ordinance requirements, with mitigation efforts already in place.
Residents of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, have filed a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft, alleging excessive noise from the company's newly operational "Fairwater" data center facility. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin by three Sturtevant residents living near the site, claims that the data center emits "unreasonable and excessive noise" causing property damages through private nuisance and negligence. The complaints cite significant noise pollution from diesel generators and HVAC systems, including a "consistent and pervasive" low-frequency infrasound not fully captured by dBA measurements.
Microsoft, which recently announced the Fairwater facility as operational and the first in a series of planned buildings for its Mount Pleasant campus, has acknowledged the lawsuit and expressed a commitment to being a good neighbor. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that while facility noise levels meet local ordinance requirements, the company takes resident feedback seriously and has implemented noise mitigation measures after investigating the source of a tonal humming sound. Sean Ryan, spokesperson for the Village of Mount Pleasant, indicated that the Village has received no formal complaints since Microsoft's mid-April adjustments, pledging to ensure the company remains a good corporate citizen.
Beyond the data center's operational noise, residents living near the ongoing construction for subsequent phases of the project have also voiced concerns about construction noise, dust, light pollution, traffic, and the changing rural landscape. Larry Neumiller and Brian Schue, both long-term residents, described constant dump truck noise, blinding lights at night, and significant dust accumulation. Roger Johansen, living across from the Fairwater data center, lamented the loss of dark skies previously visible from his home. Microsoft maintains that it is working with its general contractor to mitigate construction impacts on neighboring communities, with measures like street sweepers and tire wash systems in place. Village President David DeGroot lauded the data center's opening as a "historic milestone" for Mount Pleasant and Racine County.