Lawsuit targets Microsoft data center in Mount Pleasant over noise complaints
Three residents in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, have filed a class action lawsuit against Microsoft's Fairwater Data Center, alleging excessive noise from the facility's operations. The lawsuit claims the noise, generated by diesel generators and HVAC systems, disrupts nearby homes, lowers property values, and affects residents' quality of life. Microsoft states it has investigated and implemented mitigation measures, with some neighbors confirming resolution.
Three residents of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, have initiated a class action lawsuit against Microsoft, alleging that the company's Fairwater Data Center produces excessive noise that has disturbed nearby homes and diminished property values. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin by attorneys from Liddle Sheets, P.C. and Hansen Reynolds LLC, claims that approximately 1,000 residential properties within a 1.5-mile radius of the campus are impacted.
The lawsuit asserts that the continuous noise emanates from diesel generators and HVAC systems, including chillers, cooling towers, air-handling units, and condenser fans. Plaintiffs, including Garrett Ostergaard and David and Joy Wade, describe the constant sound as making it difficult to enjoy their homes and outdoor spaces, affecting sleep and daily routines.
The Fairwater Data Center, located at 4800 90th Street, encompasses 315 acres and 1.2 million square feet, serving as an AI supercomputer hub. It currently uses 337.6 megawatts of power, with potential future demand reaching 900 megawatts.
Microsoft has stated that it investigated the noise source and implemented mitigation measures, noting that some neighbors have confirmed the issue was resolved. This lawsuit is part of a series of similar cases filed by Liddle Sheets, P.C., which is also examining noise, odor, and water contamination concerns related to data centers in other communities.