Nashville moves to seize data center site via eminent domain over zoo noise concerns

Published Jul 24, 08:05 PM UTC

Nashville officials are moving to stop a planned data center by DC BLOX adjacent to the Nashville Zoo, citing potential noise harm to sensitive animals like endangered clouded leopards. The Metro Council passed a temporary moratorium on new data centers and advanced legislation enabling eminent domain seizure of the site, which DC BLOX recently purchased for $23 million. The zoo argues that constant hums and vibrations from cooling equipment could disrupt breeding and cause stress, though experts note a lack of direct evidence on data center noise impacts on zoo animals. DC BLOX has committed to sound barriers and quieter equipment, and may have legal grounds to challenge the zoning changes and seizure as pretextual. The case highlights emerging conflicts between data center expansion and wildlife conservation.