Residents sue Microsoft over noise from Mount Pleasant data center
Residents in Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant, Wisconsin, have filed a class action lawsuit against Microsoft. The lawsuit alleges that constant industrial noise from the company's new data center has disrupted daily life, interfered with sleep, and diminished property values. Plaintiffs claim Microsoft failed to implement adequate noise control measures despite being aware of community complaints.
Residents in Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant, Wisconsin, have initiated a class action lawsuit against Microsoft, citing excessive noise from the company's new data center construction. The lawsuit, filed by Racine County residents, alleges that the facility emits a "constant industrial hum" that has significantly impacted their quality of life, including disrupting sleep, interfering with outdoor activities, and depreciating property values.
The plaintiffs claim that Microsoft was aware of the noise complaints but failed to adequately address the issue through proper soundproofing, acoustic barriers, or quieter cooling systems. The lawsuit seeks to represent all residents living within 1.5 miles of the data center, requesting damages and a court order for Microsoft to reduce the noise.
In response, Microsoft stated on its website on June 18 that its engineering team and consultants investigated the sound source, conducted tests, and implemented noise mitigations, which several neighbors confirmed had resolved the issue. The company indicated it is working on short-term mitigations and plans to install additional sound reduction components and continue monitoring the site over the coming months. Microsoft broke ground on the campus in 2023, with construction phases expected to continue through at least 2028, and states that construction is in compliance with Mount Pleasant code regarding work hours.