LETTER: AI chat bot: public should ask  data center noise questions

To Ozaukee Press:

The herd is all out of the barn now, so it may be useless to close the door.  However, I asked Claude, the Anthropic AI chat bot, about noise levels for the Port Washington data center. 

Claude said: “Based on my search, I don’t see that Vantage has publicly released specific noise level commitments or measurements for the Port Washington project yet. However, I can provide context from the search results about what you should expect and ask about.”

Here’s Claude’s report:

Data center noise levels commonly reach upwards of 90-92 decibels near server areas, with noise levels in server racks reaching up to 96 decibels. This continual hum is comparable to the noise produced by heavy traffic.

Key questions to ask Vantage about noise: 

What are the projected noise levels at property boundaries and at the nearest residential areas?

What soundproofing, barriers,or building design features will be implemented to reduce noise transmission?

What types of cooling systems and generators will be used, and what are their noise ratings?

Will there be ongoing noise monitoring, and what recourse do residents have if noise exceeds agreed levels?

What are the anticipated noise levels and hours during the construction phases?

Has Vantage conducted or will they conduct a pre-construction noise study to establish current ambient levels?

Given that residents who spoke at a recent public meeting at the Port Washington City Hall were seemingly unanimous in opposition to the project, data center noise concerns are likely a significant community issue. 

Paul Gutelius

Grafton