Data center efforts to become better neighbors
Data centers in Utah are facing scrutiny over noise and resource usage, leading companies like DataBank, Novas, and Aligned Data Centers to implement measures and engage with communities. While some residents report no issues, others are concerned about generator noise and increased truck traffic. The industry acknowledges the need to address these impacts and contribute to power infrastructure development amid rapid growth.
KSL News specialist Mike Anderson reported on efforts by data centers in Utah to be "good neighbors" amidst increasing community concerns over noise and resource consumption. The report highlighted specific data center campuses and their environmental impact mitigation strategies, alongside resident feedback.
DataBank's Salt Lake 5 location in Grantsville, part of a 23-acre campus using 46 MW of power, was featured for its closed-loop cooling system. DataBank COO Jerman Eric explained that this system recycles water, consuming the equivalent of about three Olympic-sized swimming pools annually across all six of their Utah data centers, significantly less than a single golf course. While this system conserves water, it requires fans during warmer months, which Eric stated produce minimal noise by the time it reaches nearby neighborhoods. Residents in the vicinity confirmed having no issues.
The report also visited Novas's 100-acre West Jordan campus, which features a 200-megawatt substation. A decibel meter recorded around 60 decibels near the fence, comparable to a typical conversation, with no audible noise in the nearest neighborhood. However, residents near Aligned Data Centers' 55-acre West Jordan campus, which uses 2 megawatts of power and 3 megawatts in backup generators, expressed significant concerns. Neighbors described the generator noise, which reached 70 decibels (similar to a vacuum cleaner), as "not pleasant" and often running. While Aligned stated generators are primarily for power disruptions and testing, residents like Ivy Pitts also noted heavy semi-truck traffic, possibly due to ongoing construction.
Looking ahead, Eric projected a 300% increase in data center power usage, from 4% to 12% of the country's total, driven by AI growth. He emphasized the industry's responsibility to work with communities, support power infrastructure development, and pay its fair share to manage this expansion.