'It’s a lot to adjust to,' Residents concerned over data center noise and light pollution

________________________ For decades, Hamby residents said quiet nights and star-filled skies were part of their daily life. Now, as massive AI data centers continue to grow, some neighbors said constant noise and bright lights are changing their way of living. “One of my friends lives over there that unfortunately had put up, I believe, a chicken coop," said Lacie Rivera, a Hamby resident. "She said it worked out well because it blocked the light that was coming in her bathroom window every morning when she showered because she felt like she was in the spotlight every day when she was trying to shower in there.” Rivera said the impact goes beyond annoyance. She’s heard concerns from residents about what the light and noise could mean for the environment. “A lot of people have questions (about the impacts) noise and the light pollution has on livestock, and even the wildlife," Rivera said. "I have seen a major influx of snakes on the road. I'm sure they're seeking refuge because their habitat is now being destroyed.” According to the British Ecological Society, light and noise pollution can disrupt wildlife behavior, including foraging, reproduction and navigation. For some residents, the disruptions start early in the morning. “For the people that live right on the highway, if you don't wake up until 8:00 in the morning, and when you have the influx of large trucks and brakes and horns and those things going by your bedroom window, I know it’s a lot to adjust to, especially with young children.” She and other residents hope future growth doesn’t come at the cost of the things they said make this community special. “Growing up out here, we had a trampoline in the backyard," Rivera said. "I remember many nights playing on the trampoline and looking at the stars. When I was living in California and San Antonio, I didn't have that luxury anymore.” Rivera said those dark skies are part of what brought her home to Hamby. “I remember driving back, I got to about Sweetwater, and I looked up and I could see the stars," Rivera said. "I literally almost started crying, and I floored the U-Haul and came straight home.” Residents tell me they understand growth is coming to the Big Country, but they’re hoping developers will find ways to reduce some of these impacts, whether that’s lower lighting, turning lights off when they aren’t needed, or working with communities as construction continues. DETAILS: https://ktxs.com/news/local/its-a-lot-to-adjust-to-residents-concerned-over-data-center-noise-and-light-pollution Follow us on social media: KTXS News on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KTXSTelevision KTXS News on X https://x.com/KTXS_News KTXS News on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ktxsnews/?hl=en For more information, visit https://ktxs.com/ Have a news tip? Send it to us at news@ktxs.com #datacenter #noise #pollution