industry

Wisconsin residents file class-action suit against Microsoft over data center noise

Residents near Microsoft’s Fairwater data center in Mount Pleasant filed a class-action lawsuit Wednesday alleging "unreasonable and excessive noise" from diesel generators and HVAC equipment. The suit seeks unspecified damages and would cover owner-occupants and renters within 1.5 miles, potentially more than 1,000 homes. Plaintiffs say noise levels of 48–60 dB and a low-frequency "hum" have disrupted sleep; Microsoft says it has been investigating and applied noise mitigations on June 18.

• Class-action targets Fairwater data center noise
• Alleged sources: diesel generators and HVAC; 48–60 dB plus low-frequency hum
• Class defined as residents within 1.5 miles — may include 1,000+ homes
• Microsoft investigating and reported mitigations implemented on June 18