Residents in multiple US states say they’ve been hearing an unusual humming sound in their neighbourhoods.
Reports have emerged from New Jersey, Virginia and Connecticut, with locals saying the noise is loud and persistent enough to interfere with everyday life.
One resident, Scott Montgomery, told ABC 6: “It is infringing on our peace of mind and our tranquility.”
In Vineland, New Jersey, some residents believe the hum began after work started on a major new data center.
The facility is expected to span 2.5 million square feet. While officials have not confirmed any connection, residents insist the sound isn’t coming from construction activity.
“That is not construction, and that monstrosity is only partially built,” said Mr Montgomery. “If it sounds like this now, what’s it going to be like when everything’s up and running?”
Similar complaints have also been raised in Virginia — a state home to hundreds of data centers — and in Connecticut. In both places, authorities have not yet been able to pinpoint a definitive source.
Industry specialists note that data centers can generate a low-frequency hum from their constant-running infrastructure, particularly cooling equipment that operates around the clock.
Cooling fans and chillers may produce roughly 55 to 85 decibels, and those systems may run continuously across the vast number of servers contained in a single site.
In New Jersey, the Cumberland Country Department of Health has said it is aware of the issue and has received noise complaints.
In a post on Facebook, it said: “If our inspectors find that noise levels are higher than those allowed under the code, we follow the enforcement guidelines under which a penalty may be issued if compliance is not obtained within a certain timeframe.”
The Vineland site is being developed by Data One, which said in a statement that it is meeting the required rules.
“Our site is operating in full compliance with Vineland City noise ordinance limits,” the statement said.
“We will continue deploying sound reduction measures to minimize any impact on our neighbors.”
On social media, one person compared the sound to ‘like a huge engine idling all the time.’
Mr Montgomery, who lives about half a mile from the development, said: “It keeps you up at night, as you can hear it coming through the house.”
In Connecticut, residents in West Haven have launched a petition that has collected around 140 signatures, with signers calling attention to a similar low humming noise.
The petition says: “For years, our community has been plagued by a constant or intermittent humming noise and low-frequency vibrations affecting multiple areas of town.
“This disturbing phenomenon occurs at all hours, disrupting our ability to sleep, concentrate and enjoy life to its fullest.
“Many residents have reported increased levels of stress, anxiety and physical discomfort due to this incessant noise and vibration.”