Questions to ask before a data center develops in your neighborhood
Residents in Sterling, Virginia, say Vantage’s 800,000-square-foot data center campus has caused persistent turbine noise, diesel fumes and intrusive nighttime lighting. The experience has prompted warnings that communities should question developers about noise controls, backup power and other neighborhood impacts before approving data center projects.
Residents living near Vantage’s second Northern Virginia campus in Sterling say the 800,000-square-foot facility has disrupted their quality of life with a persistent turbine whistle, diesel generator emissions and bright nighttime lighting. Lindsay Shaw, who initially supported the project, said the noise can be heard inside her home around the clock, while other neighbors reported similar concerns about fumes and outdoor lighting.
Maryland Tech Council CEO Kelly Schulz said communities should evaluate data centers individually and establish safeguards such as residential setbacks, noise limits and agreements on backup power and resource use. Vantage did not respond to a request for comment, but a company representative told residents at a town hall that changes were planned to reduce turbine noise; residents acknowledged the facility’s tax benefits but said they have not outweighed the disruptions.