New Jersey residents sue data center over noise audible a mile away
Residents in Vineland, New Jersey, have filed a lawsuit against DataOne over persistent, loud noise emanating from its 350-megawatt data center, which they claim disturbs sleep and causes vibrations. This case highlights a growing concern about noise pollution from data centers as the industry, particularly AI-related infrastructure, expands rapidly. The lawsuit seeks to address the nuisance caused by the facility's operational sounds.
Residents in Vineland, New Jersey, have initiated a lawsuit against DataOne, alleging that the company's 350-megawatt data center generates constant, disturbing noise audible up to a mile away.
Plaintiffs Steve Brown and Michael Gentile report that the sound, described as a mechanical drone, disrupts sleep, causes vibrations, and has become an exhausting nuisance. Attorney Laura Sheets noted this case is part of a broader pattern, with her firm litigating multiple similar cases against data centers over noise pollution. The rapid development of the DataOne project, which transformed a golf course into a data center site between October 2024 and March 2025, has further exacerbated community unease.
Experts, including Jamie Banks, president of Quiet Communities Inc., emphasize that noise from data centers is an often-overlooked issue with serious health implications, particularly low-frequency noise that travels far and registers as vibration. While DataOne spokesperson Naomi Race stated the company has implemented mitigation efforts, such as building a northerly wall, adjusting construction timing, and planning to use quiet fuel cells, residents feel these measures have not been sufficient. Nebius is also reportedly coordinating with DataOne on the project. The Vineland case reflects a national trend of communities facing similar challenges with data center noise, increased utility costs, and the rapid expansion of energy infrastructure for AI facilities.