08/06/2026
Residents of Dowagiac, Michigan, have filed a class-action lawsuit against Hyperscale Data over persistent noise pollution from the company's 30-megawatt data center. Homeowners living near the facility report sound levels consistently around 60 decibels on their properties, with peaks reaching as high as 78 decibels—comparable to the noise of a loud vacuum cleaner or busy city traffic. For reference, Yale University's environmental health guidelines indicate that standard vacuum cleaners operate at approximately 75 decibels.
The constant mechanical hum, described by residents as similar to a jet engine, comes from the facility's cooling systems, backup generators, and HVAC infrastructure operating 24 hours a day. Residents say the noise penetrates their homes even with windows closed, making it difficult to sleep, work, or enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Research supports these health concerns. Studies have shown that chronic exposure to environmental noise above 65 decibels can increase stress responses, disrupt sleep, and contribute to cardiovascular complications. The ongoing lawsuit reflects a broader national conflict as technology companies continue expanding data center infrastructure into suburban and rural communities, often raising concerns about the impact on the quality of life of nearby residents.
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**Source:** Miller, A. (2026, June 21). *"A prison in our own yard": Life next to a data center — and its never-ending noise.* MLive.