Noise Pollution and Health Impacts

Long-term exposure to environmental noise has been linked to serious health concerns. Research shows chronic noise exposure can contribute to:

• sleep disruption
• increased stress levels
• cardiovascular problems
• reduced cognitive performance
• decreased quality of life

Even when noise levels comply with regulations, continuous mechanical noise can still affect nearby residents. Low-frequency noise from industrial equipment is particularly difficult to block and can travel long distances.

Backup Generators and Air Quality

Data centers rely on large diesel backup generators to prevent outages. These generators must be tested regularly, typically monthly.

Generator testing can produce:

• loud engine noise
• diesel exhaust emissions
• particulate matter and nitrogen oxides

These pollutants are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.

Health and Safety Concerns

Facilities of this scale introduce industrial infrastructure into residential areas, including:

• large fuel storage for generators
• high-voltage electrical equipment
• battery backup systems
• industrial cooling equipment

Although safety systems are used, these systems increase the potential risks associated with industrial accidents, equipment failures, or fuel storage incidents.

Industrial Lighting at Night

Facilities operating 24/7 require extensive lighting, including:

• security lighting
• equipment lighting
• parking lot lighting
• access road lighting

This can create persistent light pollution that spreads into nearby neighborhoods.

Studies show nighttime lighting can affect:

• sleep quality
• circadian rhythms
• nighttime wildlife behavior.

Heat Released into the Environment

Nearly all electricity used by data centers ultimately becomes heat that must be removed by large cooling systems. This heat is released into the surrounding environment through rooftop cooling equipment and ventilation systems, potentially creating localized warming around the facility.

Environmental & Wildlife Concerns

1.      Habitat Loss

Fields and wooded edges currently support wildlife including:

• deer
• foxes
• birds
• amphibians
• pollinators

Development replaces these habitats with buildings and pavement, reducing biodiversity.

2.      Valley Creek Watershed Risks

Stormwater from the development drains into Valley Creek, a sensitive cold-water fish habitat.

Cold-water ecosystems are vulnerable to:

• runoff pollution
• sediment
• increased water temperatures

Large impervious surfaces increase environmental pressures on these waterways.

3.      Former Superfund Industrial Site

The property previously hosted the Foote Mineral lithium processing facility, which was placed on the federal Superfund cleanup list. Although remediation occurred, groundwater monitoring continues today, and large excavation projects could raise concerns about disturbing previously remediated areas.

References

World Health Organization (2018). Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region.

Tao, Y. & Gao, P. (2025). Global data center expansion and human health: A call for empirical research. Eco-Environment & Health.

Ngata, W. et al. (2025). The Cloud Next Door: Investigating the Environmental and Socioeconomic Strain of Datacenters on Local Communities.

Patel, A., Mahalingam, N., & Patel, R. (2025). Environmental impacts of AI servers and data center infrastructure.

EEA Consulting Engineers. Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Implications in Data Centers.