Invasive Noise

Beyond the invisible threat of air pollution, the data center proposal introduces a constant, audible threat: invasive industrial noise. This isn't the temporary sound of construction, but a permanent, 24/7 mechanical hum that degrades quality of life, impacts mental health, and has already been shown to drive residents from their homes in other Virginia communities.

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• Constant, Loud Noise: The facility is projected to operate 24/7 with a constant industrial noise level between 70-96 decibels (Meeting PDF, p. 17). This is comparable to having a "Lawn Mower to Motorbike" running constantly next to our neighborhoods and 0.8 miles from the school.

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• Inadequate Protections: The proposed 100-foot minimum buffer is meaningless as a sound barrier against a 410-acre industrial site operating at this volume.

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• Impact on Property Value: Constant, audible industrial noise and the documented "declining quality of life" (Sierra Club, p. 19) directly threaten the property values of all adjacent neighborhoods.

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• Ineffective Regulation: Promises of "sound modeling" from the developer are not a substitute for strong, enforceable noise ordinances. The Sierra Club report notes that "merely requiring sound modeling and studies does not protect those impacted" and that localities have failed to deliver "adequate policies or ordinances to address data center impacts" (Sierra Club, p. 23, 16).

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• Proven Community Impact: This is a known issue. In Loudoun County, residents on Hiddenwood Lane "have 'cited a declining quality of life as zoning decisions made by county supervisors allowed data centers to be built around their neighborhood'" (Sierra Club, p. 19).