After last Thursday night’s contentious “torches and pitchforks” Dorr Township Board meeting, Township Supervisor Jeff Miling contacted Microsoft seeking explanations about plans for a data center.
Microsoft purchased two parcels of land in the township and now plans to build a data center, against the wishes of a vocal group of local and area residents, who are concerned about excessive water use, lighting, noise and a generally negative impact on the environment.
Township officials have stressed that because the tech giant’s project is located on land deemed by the master plan as suitable and permitted, Microsoft appears to be able to proceed after it wins the blessings of the Planning and Commission and the Township Board.
Microsoft representative Meredith Lizza replied in writing to Miling’s request for information, in part:
“…a number of resources that we have created regarding water, utilities, jobs, noice, etc. I’ve included a link to all of these frequently asked questions below. You’ll note these are general, but I can work with our comms team on getting getting something focused on the Dorr project specifically.”
Water Use: “As a company, Microsoft has committed to being water positive by 2030. Microsoft will reduce the water we use in our operations in every way we can. We are making progress against our target to improve water use efficiency by 40% from a 2022 baseline across our global owned datacenter operations by 2030. We will also replenish more water than we use into ecosystems around the world.”
Data center light sources: “Microsoft data centers include perimeter fencing and 24-hour exterior lighting to protect our employees and operations. At our datacenter properties, artificial exterior lighting is strategically placed both around the buildings, and in places such as parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and perimeter fencing. Lighting placement and fixtures are designed in a thoughtful way, taking into consideration human safety, visual comfort and building aesthetics and identification, while being respectful of the surroundings.”
Noise: “Sound mitigation for data center equipment Microsoft data centers typically have four sources of sound: servers, employee vehicles and occasional truck deliveries, backup generators, and cooling equipment. To manage this, we develop noise models for each datacenter site, customizing equipment locations to comply with legal and local zoning requirements. For all types of sound-generating equipment, we collaborate with engineering teams and local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) to understand and meet local noise regulations. To achieve this, we employ various sound mitigation strategies, including noise walls, buffers, mufflers and more.”
Lizza concluded her communication by saying, “Outside of these resources, would you have some time, even after the first of the year, to connect on a teams meeting? I’d really like to hear more about what you experienced at your meeting and get some additional details?”
