Officials Data center home / For officials / Noise from data centers (and related accessory structures) presents special challenges
Pathway from problem to solution:
Noise from data centers (and related accessory structures) presents special challenges
Because these noise emissions include low-frequency sounds and often distinctive tones, the noise travels long distances (sometimes up to a mile) and easily penetrates windows and structures.
Most local ordinances have been written for a different kind of noise
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These low frequencies and tones are sharply discounted and ignored by the standard “A-weighted” decibel (dBA).
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Almost all local ordinances that contain noise limits do so using the dBA and ignoring other metrics useful in measuring and setting meaningful limits on sources that contain prominent low frequency and tonal components.
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The health and disturbance complaints that public officials are hearing from residents who live near data centers have a real basis in the science of noise effects.
The next page outlines the public health basis for treating noise as a serious concern.
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