Amid ‘constant' data center noise, Sterling residents also worry about health impact

Residents of a Sterling, Virginia, neighborhood are expressing significant concerns regarding a Vantage Data Centers facility, which they claim generates constant noise from its gas turbines. The data center is currently Virginia's only one powered by gas turbines, pending connection to Dominion electric lines. Adding to the noise complaints, a study commissioned by the Piedmont Environmental Council has raised alarms about potential severe health impacts from the data center's emissions. Julie Bolthouse of the council stated the emissions are linked to asthma and increased cardiovascular issues, particularly in vulnerable populations. The analysis, based on Vantage's state permit, estimates three to six additional premature deaths annually due to the center's emissions. Vantage officials, including Adam Shalapin, maintain that the facility operates well within its permitted limits and is compliant with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) standards. They clarify that the permit's mentioned levels are maximums, not daily operational outputs. In response to community feedback, Vantage is conducting its own sound studies to explore potential noise reduction measures and plans a town hall meeting to report findings. Meanwhile, Loudoun County has established a working group to re-evaluate noise ordinances for data centers.