All of these concerns are valid. But none of them are unique to datacenters.
A golf course uses a lot of water. A factory can use a lot of power -- and generate pollution. A chemical factory could have all kinds of externalities (if not properly managed.) Heck, switching to electric heat (over gas) or electric cars over ICE for an area will also drive up power usage.
But we don't freak out when someone builds a golf course or a factory or switch to electric.
We have rules about all those things. Sound is one: you need to be within reasonable limits. Electricity usage is another: power operators always need to manage their load and expand generation (that's why we keep adding solar and wind everywhere.) Air pollution is similarly managed.
I can understand if people are concerned about "infrasound" -- why not pass a law that regulates it -- like other noise limits?
Datacenters may have specific potential issues. But none of them are unique to datacenters. And we've been managing these issues for hundreds of years.
A golf course uses a lot of water. A factory can use a lot of power -- and generate pollution. A chemical factory could have all kinds of externalities (if not properly managed.) Heck, switching to electric heat (over gas) or electric cars over ICE for an area will also drive up power usage.
But we don't freak out when someone builds a golf course or a factory or switch to electric.
We have rules about all those things. Sound is one: you need to be within reasonable limits. Electricity usage is another: power operators always need to manage their load and expand generation (that's why we keep adding solar and wind everywhere.) Air pollution is similarly managed.
I can understand if people are concerned about "infrasound" -- why not pass a law that regulates it -- like other noise limits?
Datacenters may have specific potential issues. But none of them are unique to datacenters. And we've been managing these issues for hundreds of years.