What Is Infrasound? Calvert Environmental Commission Explains This Possible Data Center Issue

At a recent special joint meeting in Prince Frederick, Maryland, the Calvert County Environmental Commission and Planning Commission discussed the potential impact of infrasound from data centers, an issue highlighted by continuous noise reports from other regions like Texas. Infrasound, a low-frequency sound below 20 Hz, is largely inaudible but can cause anxiety, headaches, and nausea in humans, and is particularly concerning for Calvert County due to its aquatic ecosystem and farming community, where it could affect wildlife like bats and birds, and crucial pollinators like bees. Dr. Janette Wysocki outlined these issues, emphasizing that infrasound travels effectively through water and can interfere with animal communication and migration, potentially leading to ecosystem collapse. Dr. Andy Rogers, an Environmental Commission member, added that standard 24-hour average decibel studies, often used by developers, can mask significant impacts on specific groups like children in schools or local wildlife. A key concern raised is that data center developers are not currently required to test for infrasound levels, as Calvert County's existing text amendments do not include such regulations. This gap leaves the community vulnerable to potential adverse effects from proposed or future data center developments.