Loading ...Yes. The basic claim is true, and there is a very recent case that sounds almost exactly like what you saw.
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Data centers can produce a continuous hum/drone, mainly from enormous cooling fans, chillers, cooling towers and other equipment.
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78 dB at a residence would be extremely loud for a constant 24/7 noise. However, I would be skeptical that 78 dB was actually measured at the homeowners’ houses without seeing the original report.
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In Dowagiac, Michigan, residents are currently suing a data-center operator over constant noise. The city has fined the company for violating its noise ordinance, and the company has offered to buy affected homes.
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So the “company offered to buy their houses” part is definitely real in at least this case.
The interesting part is that constant noise can be more aggravating than a louder noise that comes and goes. Virginia’s legislative review specifically found that residents often object to the data centers’ continuous drone or hum even when measured levels aren’t exceptionally high.
If you want, I can find the exact video/story you’re referring to and check whether the 78-decibel figure is accurate.