xAI spent $7M building wall that barely muffles annoying power plant noise

"For miles around xAI's makeshift power plant in Southaven, Mississippi, neighbors have endured months of constant roaring, erupting pops, and bursts of high-pitched whining from 27 temporary gas turbines installed without consulting the community."

"Taylor Logsdon, who lives near the power plant, said that neighbors nearby jokingly call it the "Temu sound wall," referencing the Chinese e-commerce site known for peddling cheap, rather than high-quality goods. For Logsdon, the wall has not helped to calm her dogs, which have been unsettled by sudden booms and squeals."

"A nonprofit environmental advocacy group, the Safe and Sound Coalition, has been collecting evidence, hoping to raise awareness in the community to block xAI from obtaining permits for its permanent turbines. The group's website links to videos documenting the noise, noise analysis reports, and public records."

xAI operates 27 temporary gas turbines in Southaven, Mississippi without community consultation, causing constant noise disturbance to nearby residents. The company plans to eventually install 41 permanent turbines if permitting is approved. To address noise concerns, xAI constructed a $7 million sound barrier, but residents report it provides minimal relief from the turbines' jet engine-like hum and sudden loud bursts. Neighbors mockingly call it the "Temu sound wall" due to its ineffectiveness. The noise has disturbed both residents and their pets. The Safe and Sound Coalition, an environmental advocacy group, is documenting evidence and collecting noise analysis reports to oppose the permanent turbine installation and block xAI's permitting process.

Read at Ars Technica