Mysterious Hum from New AI Data Center Irks New Jersey Residents

Vineland locals complain the construction noise is keeping them up at night

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:26pm

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Residents in the small farming town of Vineland, New Jersey are up in arms over a mysterious humming sound that appears to be coming from a massive new AI data center being built nearby. The construction site is emitting a constant low-frequency hum that is vibrating across the local farmland and disrupting sleep for many locals, who say the noise is only going to get worse once the facility is fully operational.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of data centers in New Jersey, fueled by tech giants like Microsoft, is raising concerns about the environmental impact and quality of life issues for nearby communities. While these projects bring economic benefits, the noise, energy consumption, and water usage can create significant disturbances for residents living in close proximity.

The details

The Nebius AI Center, a $17 billion project backed by Microsoft, is under construction on a private industrial zone in Vineland. Locals say the current construction noise, described as a persistent humming sound, is already disruptive and they fear it will only intensify once the facility is fully operational. The Cumberland County Department of Health is investigating the issue and working to confirm the exact source of the mysterious noise.

  • The Nebius AI Center is currently under construction in Vineland, New Jersey.
  • The project is expected to be completed and fully operational in the coming years.

The players

Nebius Group

A Netherlands-based company that recently announced a $17 billion deal with Microsoft to supply computer power from its new AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey.

Scott Montgomery

A Vineland resident who has complained about the persistent humming noise from the construction site, saying it has disrupted his family's sleep.

Cumberland County Department of Health

The local health department that is investigating the noise complaints from Vineland residents and working to confirm the source of the mysterious humming sound.

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What they’re saying

“He kept asking, 'What are those helicopter noises in the background?' And it's just gotten worse over time.”

— Scott Montgomery, Vineland Resident

“We understand that ongoing noise can be frustrating for residents, and we take these concerns seriously. … We have responded to many concerns and have made several visits to the area in question to measure sound levels.”

— Cumberland County Department of Health

What’s next

The Cumberland County Department of Health will continue investigating the source of the mysterious humming noise and work to confirm the exact origin. They plan to take sound measurements and work with the Nebius Group to address the concerns of local residents.

The takeaway

The construction of large-scale data centers, while bringing economic benefits, can also create significant quality of life issues for nearby communities. This case highlights the need for tech companies and local governments to carefully consider the environmental and noise impacts of these facilities and work closely with residents to mitigate any disturbances.