Microsoft sued by Sturtevant residents for noise from data center

Sturtevant, Wisconsin residents have initiated a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft, alleging significant noise pollution from the company's data center complex in neighboring Mount Pleasant. The lawsuit, filed on July 1 in federal court, claims the Fairwater data center's HVAC systems and diesel generators emit "excessive and pervasive" noise, violating noise standards and causing harm to residents. Plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages, citing complaints previously lodged with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

According to resident Amy Cimbalnik, the noise, described as a "constant and rhythmic banging" during construction followed by a "whirring engine of a freight train" sound 24 hours a day, has been a persistent issue since early 2026 after a brief period of quiet post-construction. The suit asserts that Microsoft failed to install adequate acoustic barriers to mitigate sound escaping its property.

Microsoft has acknowledged the lawsuit, stating its commitment to being a "good neighbor" and that it has implemented "adjustments" to address a "humming sound" in April. A company update in June claimed independent monitoring confirmed these mitigations "fully resolved the issue," though further sound reduction components are planned. Sean Ryan, communications director for the Village of Mount Pleasant, stated that the village had not received complaints since Microsoft's April adjustments, and officials are prepared to respond if new issues arise. The Mount Pleasant complex is set to house up to 15 Microsoft data centers, with one hyperscale facility complete and a second under construction.