Concerns about artificial intelligence taking over have been prevalent, but for some residents in Southaven, Mississippi, AI’s disruptive impact is literal. These residents are contending with significant noise coming from a group of methane gas turbines positioned along what used to be a peaceful road. Eddie Gossett, a 76-year-old local, recounted to NBC News how one morning last summer, he was jolted awake by sounds reminiscent of a jet engine just outside his window. Unfortunately, the situation hasn’t improved.
These turbines appeared last year without prior warning, with additional units installed in December, bringing the total to 27. Gas turbines, essentially jet engines that have been adapted for electricity generation, are favored by tech corporations as hastily set-up power sources because local grids struggle to meet the energy demands from AI data centers. In certain instances, data centers remain non-operational due to delays in utility approvals for power supplies.
Although the turbines in Southaven are characterized as temporary, this term is increasingly questionable as months pass. While Gossett appreciates Musk’s contributions to the DOGE cryptocurrency, he expressed that even he has reached his limit with the noise and humorously recommended that Musk spend a week at his residence to experience the situation firsthand.
Residents Attend Hearing, No Support for xAI Expressed
Gossett is not alone in his frustrations. xAI has proposed to install 41 permanent turbines at the site, a decision met with opposition from the local populace. Citizens across the U.S. have voiced their discontent regarding the establishment of new data centers, culminating in a regulatory hearing held on February 17, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Approximately 300 individuals attended the session, none of whom expressed support for the proposal. Some attendees donned shirts proclaiming, “Not all money is good money.”
Mayor Darren Musselwhite of Southaven acknowledged the residents’ noise concerns in a Facebook post, labeling them as a “legitimate concern.” However, he also suggested that some of the resistance might be politically charged criticism of Musk. Meanwhile, xAI invested $7 million in a sound barrier intended to mitigate noise, but many residents remain unimpressed.
Legal matters are compounding the situation, as the 27 turbines have been operating lacking proper permits, leading to further legal action. Prior to the hearing, the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue xAI under the Clean Air Act, representing the NAACP’s interests. The organizations allege that xAI is repeating its prior behaviors from the Colossus data center across the state line in Memphis, where turbines commenced operations prior to obtaining the necessary air permits.
Noise Is Just the Beginning of Their Concerns
While it’s reassuring that legal actions are underway, residents face challenges that extend beyond mere noise. Reports from Electrek disclose that xAI’s permit applications indicate that the combined facilities in Memphis and Southaven could emit over 6 million tons of greenhouse gases each year. Additionally, they could release upwards of 1,300 tons of hazardous air pollutants. The Southern Environmental Law Center warns that these gas turbines are capable of generating harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Air quality concerns are just one issue; residents have also expressed fears regarding potential negative impacts on their water supply across various states.
The Colossus turbines in Memphis are already raising alarm bells. In Boxtown, a predominately Black neighborhood, locals have reported breathing difficulties attributed to emissions from the facility, according to Futurism. The proposed turbines in Southaven pose similar risks, with a study commissioned by the Southern Environmental Law Center estimating potential annual health damages between $30 million and $44 million.
