Microsoft holds Q&A about Mount Pleasant AI data center, doesn't offer solution to persistent humming noise

Residents in Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant, Wisconsin, are voicing complaints about a persistent, strange humming noise emanating from Microsoft's new artificial intelligence data center campus. The noise has been noticeable for about a month, affecting the quality of life for those living nearby. Microsoft broke ground on the campus in 2023, with construction phases continuing through at least 2028. The first data center, intended for AI model training, is set to become fully operational later this year. This facility is the first in a series of mega-data centers planned for southeast Wisconsin. During a Q&A session held at the Mount Pleasant village hall, neighbors directly confronted Microsoft representatives with their complaints. Donald Briggs, a nearby resident, stated he could hear the noise inside his home, while Mike Rosenbaum, the village president of Sturtevant, expressed irritation over the data centers' impact on his community, including light pollution, and noted his village had no say in the project's placement. Beth Kane, who lives a mile from the campus, described the situation as a "nightmare," leading to headaches and requiring her to use box fans to cover the sound. Microsoft declined to answer reporters' questions on-camera, referring back to a previous statement acknowledging the noise concerns and confirming an ongoing investigation into the root cause. Mount Pleasant village officials also stated they are awaiting an update from Microsoft on potential solutions.