Residents Sue Microsoft Over Noise From New Mount Pleasant Data Center
Residents near a new Microsoft data center in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, have filed a federal class-action lawsuit, alleging excessive noise pollution and property damage. The lawsuit claims a constant low hum from the facility, despite Microsoft's efforts to mitigate noise and adherence to local ordinances. The data center, named "Fairwater," recently became operational, with further phases under construction.
Residents of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, have initiated a federal class-action lawsuit against Microsoft, citing excessive noise from its recently operational data center in Mount Pleasant. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin by three residents, alleges that the facility's operation emits "unreasonable and excessive noise," leading to private nuisance and property damage.
The data center, known as "Fairwater," is the first of several buildings Microsoft plans for its Mount Pleasant campus. Residents complain of significant noise pollution from diesel generators, HVAC systems, and a pervasive low-frequency hum, which they claim is not accurately reflected in dBA measurements. Microsoft has acknowledged the lawsuit and stated its commitment to being a good neighbor, noting that facility noise levels meet local ordinance requirements and that noise mitigations have been implemented. Sean Ryan, spokesperson for the Village of Mount Pleasant, confirmed no formal complaints have been received by the Village since Microsoft made adjustments in mid-April.
Beyond noise, other residents have expressed concerns about construction-related issues such as dust, light pollution, and increased traffic from the ongoing development. Larry Neumiller, a long-time resident, detailed issues with constant dump truck noise and bright construction lights, while Brian Schue, who moved to Sturtevant for a country environment, now contemplates moving again due to the data center's impact. Mount Pleasant Village President David DeGroot praised the data center's opening as a "historic milestone" for the village and Racine County.