Michigan residents sue AI data center over 24/7 noise

Residents of the town of Dowajack in Michigan have filed a lawsuit against a data center owned by Alliance Cloud Services, a subsidiary of Hyperscale Data, accusing it of producing industrial-scale noise around the clock for nearly two years. The facility, located in a former industrial building converted in 2018, was used for cryptocurrency mining in 2021, and in 2024, according to residents, after shifting its focus to AI computing and systems development for robotics, a continuous hum resembling the sound of a vacuum cleaner appeared. Following complaints, city authorities enacted an ordinance limiting industrial noise to 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night, and fined the operator for violations. Hyperscale Data disputes the measurement results and plans to expand operations, but has not yet submitted permit applications. Hyperscale Data CEO William Horne stated that the company has acquired adjacent lots to create a natural protective barrier and is willing to buy residents' properties if they cannot comfortably use their homes. However, residents who have lived in the area for decades refuse, citing the loss of their familiar environment and daily hardships. A similar lawsuit has been filed against a Microsoft data center in Wisconsin, and nonprofit organizations warn of potential health risks from infrasound.