I live within listening distance of several existing data centers in our region and am already frequently exposed to excessive noise. Increasing the number of backup diesel generators or allowing them to run more often will only worsen this — more generators equals more noise. Many of us already struggle with constant humming or diesel-generator rumble; expanding their use will degrade our quality of life even further.
Beyond the noise, the real health risks are significant and under-appreciated. Diesel generators emit harmful pollutants — including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NO?), sulfur dioxide (SO?), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Fine particles like PM2.5 are especially dangerous because they travel deep into the lungs, increasing risks of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
At distances of half a mile to a mile — roughly where I live — residents are among those most likely to be harmed. Studies show that communities within one mile of data centers suffer higher exposures to diesel-generated PM2.5 and NO?, often above national medians. Extending generator use beyond genuine emergencies would impose an unjust burden on nearby residents, many of whom have no choice but to breathe this pollution day after day.
Allowing this change also undermines the original intent for diesel generators — namely emergency use for unforeseen outages — replacing it with routine or scheduled usage that could last hours. That shifts the burden of air quality and health risk onto surrounding communities, effectively turning neighborhoods into dumping grounds for toxic exhaust.
I urge the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to reject this proposal. If changes are permitted at all, they must be strictly limited — no expanded generator use near residential areas, require real-time air-quality monitoring, public notice before operation, and enforceable restrictions to protect public health and quality of life.
Thank you for considering these concerns.