Loudoun County resident raises concerns about data centers near homes
A Loudoun County resident addressed the Board of Supervisors, raising concerns about the proximity of data centers to residential areas. The resident highlighted issues such as noise pollution, harmful emissions from backup generators, high energy and water consumption, increased utility costs, and potential negative impacts on property values. Community opposition includes a petition with over 700 signatures and a request for a 2-mile buffer zone.
A Loudoun County resident, who recently purchased a townhome across from the proposed Leesburg Gateway development, voiced significant concerns to the Board of Supervisors regarding the placement of industrial data centers near residential neighborhoods.
The resident emphasized several downsides, including persistent low-frequency noise pollution, citing comparisons from Prince William and Ashburn residents who described data center noise as a "helicopter." Harmful emissions from diesel and gas generators were another major worry, especially given an 8-year waiting period for power with Dominion Energy and the grid's current maximum capacity. She noted that residents experienced poor air quality and fumes during a recent heatwave when data centers ran generators to prevent brownouts.
Further concerns included the substantial water usage by data centers, which could strain resources during droughts, and the resulting increase in utility costs for average consumers, with Virginia experiencing a 13% rise this year. The resident also questioned property value studies, suggesting they are flawed by not comparing to areas without data centers, and highlighted that Loudoun County property values are estimated to decrease this year.
Community opposition is evident, with a petition initiated in December gathering over 700 signatures from residents who do not support data center construction. The resident concluded her testimony by requesting the Board of Supervisors ensure no more data centers are built within two miles of any residential area in Loudoun.