Sterling Residents Raise Alarms Over Off-Grid Data Center

Residents of Sterling, Virginia, particularly Kasey Hatch, are sounding the alarm over constant noise emanating from the Vantage II data center. This facility, located on Glenn Drive, is unique in Loudoun County for operating independently from the regional power grid, relying instead on continuously running natural gas turbines. The off-grid operation, known as a microgrid, was permitted because the site plan allowed for eight natural gas turbines to power the center until Dominion Energy, the utility provider, has the capacity to connect it to the grid. While other data centers use diesel generators for backup, Vantage's turbines run 24/7, leading to persistent noise that residents describe as intolerably loud, causing anxiety and sleep disturbances. Despite county staff conducting multiple noise checks, the readings have not exceeded the 55 decibel limit of the county’s noise ordinance, a finding disputed by residents like Hatch, who recorded much higher levels. In addition to noise, the Piedmont Environmental Council commissioned EmPower Analytics Group to study the potential air quality impacts. Michael Cork, who conducted the study, estimated that the constant use of natural gas turbines could cause $53 million to $99 million annually in health-related damages due to fine particulate matter emissions. Vantage Vice President of Global Marketing Mark Freeman stated that the plant is fully permitted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and complies with county zoning ordinances, consistently operating below emission limits. Freeman also mentioned that Vantage is working with third-party engineers to explore additional sound mitigation. The turbines are a temporary solution until grid connection is possible, though a timeframe is unavailable. In response to resident concerns and the identified loophole, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has already taken action, amending the Zoning Ordinance to exclude "associated utility infrastructure" from the data center definition and requiring a special exception for power generation facilities. They also mandated county supervisor approval for all new data center applications. Delegate David Reid (D-28) has proposed using county surplus funds, largely derived from data center revenue, to analyze and mitigate the impacts on residents' quality of life. Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) is coordinating a community meeting with Vantage to address these issues and seek solutions.