Sterling Residents Raise Health and Noise Concerns About Vantage Data Center
Residents in Sterling, Virginia, say the Vantage VA2 data center has brought persistent noise and concerns about air pollution from natural-gas turbines and diesel backup generators. Researchers and neighbors are calling for greater transparency and scrutiny, while New York has ordered a one-year pause on new large data centers to study environmental impacts.
Residents Lindsey Shaw, Greg Piro and Jessica Medeiros described health concerns and constant noise after Vantage’s 800,000-square-foot VA2 data center was built near their homes in Sterling, Virginia. The facility uses eight natural-gas turbines after its planned grid connection stalled, along with 40 backup diesel generators. Shaw installed an air monitor, while Piro tracks sound levels that he says sometimes exceed Loudoun County’s limits, although backup generators are exempt from some restrictions.
George Mason University researcher Neha Gore said emissions from backup generators can include fine particulate matter, carbon dioxide and sulfur oxides, while continuous operational noise may affect physical and mental health and children’s learning. Vantage did not respond to the program’s request for comment, but previously said it complies with emissions and noise requirements. The report also noted that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order pausing new large data centers for a year while environmental effects are studied.