Oliver County commissioners hear concerns about proposed data center noise

CENTER, N.D. (KFYR) - Discussion over a proposed data center in Oliver County continued at Thursday’s commission meeting.

Much of the conversation focused on noise and potential impacts on nearby residents. Commissioners heard from a national expert on data centers.

Industrial Hygienist Tammy Clark raised concerns about low-frequency and tonal noise generated by hyperscale data centers. Clark argued that the steady noise associated with that type of facility can affect the overall health of people and livestock.

The company that wants to build the center, Applied Digital, is doing a sound study.

“They create very serious human and environmental impacts. The tonal noise is the one. And I’m really concerned about this ambient study that they’re working on because how can you study something that’s not there?” Clark said.

Following Clark’s comments, an Applied Digital attorney responded, saying many of those concerns are already being addressed through conditions previously approved by the county.

“That sound study provides what all the equipment is and then builds out. Not just DBA, but the entirety. That’s, I believe, why you asked for a sound study,” said Janelle Combs.

Combs added that a third-party sound study is underway and will evaluate more than just standard decibel levels.

Clark has been speaking in various locations in North Dakota about data centers. On Friday, she will be in Minot.