Sound the alarm for peace and quiet.
In a rural corner of New Jersey, residents are grappling with the relentless hum of construction. Microsoft is backing the development of a colossal AI data center in Vineland, and the project is stirring up more than just dust—it’s disturbing the tranquility of the countryside.
The persistent noise emanating from the site is described by locals as an unsettling hum that resonates across their farmland, disrupting their sleep and daily lives, as reported by nj.com. The situation has left many residents, like Scott Montgomery, at their wits’ end. Montgomery recounted how his son mistook the sound for helicopters hovering nearby.
“He kept asking, ‘What are those helicopter noises in the background?’ And it’s just gotten worse over time,” Montgomery shared, highlighting the growing frustration among the community.
This ambitious project is spearheaded by Data One, the owner of the facility, and it has become a source of significant distress for those who once enjoyed the peace and quiet of rural life.
The project is being built by Data One, which owns the facility.
Nebius Group — a Netherlands-based company that recently announced its $17 billion deal with Microsoft to supply computer power from its Vineland center — will operate the artificial intelligence infrastructure inside.
The developer is pooh-poohing the neighborhood grumbling, saying the place isn’t even finished yet and what they’re hearing is merely construction noise.
But the Cumberland County Department of Health is taking the complaints seriously.
In a pubic statement, the health department said they were investigating the issue and working to confirm the source of the mysterious sounds.
“We understand that ongoing noise can be frustrating for residents, and we take these concerns seriously. … We have responded to many concerns and have made several visits to the area in question to measure sound levels,” the agency said.
“While complainants have shared where they believe the noise is coming from, our staff are working to confirm the exact source of the noise.”
New Jersey is home to roughly 80 data centers already, and that number is projected to triple by 2030, according to a McKinsey & Company study.
While supporters say the projects bring local jobs and boosts the town’s tax revenue, critics gripe about the potential environmental impact. The centers consume an enormous amount of energy and can use more than 5 million gallons of water per day for cooling.
But for Vineland residents — it’s all about the annoying hum.
“It’s not even fully built yet,” Montgomery said. “That’s the scary part. If it sounds like this now, what’s it going to be like when everything’s up and running?”
