Data Center Raises Concerns Over Noise, Water Use and Landscape Impact

A planned data center has raised concerns about potential water usage, noise pollution and the size of the facility, which could affect the surrounding landscape.

72 Rooftop Cooling Units Could Create High Noise Levels

An assessment of the facility’s potential noise generation found that it had “the potential to generate very high levels of noise in the surrounding area” and that extensive mitigation measures would be required.

Most of the noise is expected to come from the 72 cooling units located on the roof of the data center.

Company Says Air Cooling Will Avoid Industrial Water Use

A spokesperson said the company’s environmental assessment concluded that the data center would not have a negative impact on nearby designated wildlife habitat.

“The data center uses air-cooling technology, so no water is required for cooling. Water is only needed for day-to-day uses such as toilets and staff facilities, and no water is drawn from nearby rivers or marshes.”

“The facility has also been designed to ensure that operating noise levels in surrounding sensitive areas match existing background levels.”

Development Could Create Up to 150 Permanent Jobs

The company also said the facility could create up to 150 permanent jobs. Planting and landscaping would be undertaken to screen the development and reduce its visual impact.

The data center will also be installed near a substation for an offshore wind farm in the North Sea, from which it can obtain electricity.