Saline Twp. data center construction causing noise complaints, Oracle responds

Construction has begun on a new data center project being developed by Oracle and OpenAI in Saline Township, Michigan. The multi-billion-dollar, 1.4 gigawatt facility has been a source of controversy in the local community. Residents are already complaining about the noise from the construction, with dozens of gravel haulers driving through the area. A local cafe owner said the rumbling trucks can be heard even from half a block away. Another resident expressed concerns about the long-term impact on the roads in downtown Saline. Oracle, the lead company on the project, acknowledged the community's concerns about the construction traffic. They say they have brought in the Michigan State Police at their own expense to help manage and enforce traffic laws during peak hours. The company also noted that by early spring, much of the interior roads on the site will be paved, significantly reducing the need for gravel deliveries. More broadly, the data center project has faced opposition from some locals who are concerned about its water usage, energy consumption, and environmental impact. Oracle says the campus will preserve three-quarters of the site as open space, with landscaping buffers to mitigate light and noise. The company is also working with a construction advisory committee that includes members of the township's planning commission and community representatives.