Mississippi residents file lawsuit alleging noise from Southaven power plant

A group of Southaven, Mississippi residents filed a lawsuit claiming noise from a power plant serving a data center complex has disrupted their daily lives. The plant is located within a mile of the plaintiffs' homes. One resident told CBS News the sound resembles an airplane hovering overhead and began after the facility restarted operations last year.

The mayor acknowledged the noise in emails and public statements, describing it as a problem and stating that discussions with xAI and independent professionals were underway. According to a February social media post by the mayor, the company installed a sound wall, a berm, and evergreen trees.

Residents said the measures have not reduced the sound to acceptable levels. m. and experiencing headaches, ringing in the ears, and depression.

A separate April lawsuit filed by the NAACP claims the Southaven plant emits significant pollutants from its gas turbines, which have increased from 27 to 59 units. The group also appealed the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's decision to issue an air permit for additional turbines.

An independent study cited in court filings found the turbines would increase air pollution in an area already experiencing elevated asthma-related emergency room visits.

xAI's Memphis-area operations include the Colossus supercomputer that began operating in September 2024 and a second facility announced in July 2025. The company's total investment in the region has reached $20 billion, according to the office of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves. MZX Tech, an xAI subsidiary, donated more than $1.3 million to the Southaven Police Department in February.