Eileen Castle, an 82-year-old resident of Lowell, Massachusetts, has decided not to fill her swimming pool this summer. It’s a change for the neighborhood children who once flocked there during hot weather. The reason? A nearby data center’s industrial air conditioners and diesel generators cause air pollution.
Castle expressed concerns about the potential health effects on local children. The fast-growing data center industry raises questions about its environmental impact, especially in areas like the diverse Sacred Heart neighborhood in Lowell.
Shaolei Ren, a University of California, Riverside professor, explains that data centers consume more resources during heatwaves. They either use energy-intensive refrigeration or water-intensive evaporative cooling to prevent interruptions. During high electricity demand, backup diesel generators may be used, which worsens air quality.
The Markley Group operates the Lowell data center, planting over 2,000 trees for air quality improvement. CEO Jeff Markley states that generators are rarely used outside emergencies and brief tests. Despite these efforts, local concerns persist.
Two years ago, tensions grew when the company expanded its facilities. In response to community opposition, Lowell’s City Council enacted a one-year moratorium on further data center expansion.
Data center growth has been a local issue, according to researcher Jonathan Koomey, who warns of potential power grid strain during heatwaves. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation acknowledges the challenges posed by data centers and provides guidelines to manage risks.
Community tensions have intensified, leading to incidents at local forums discussing data center zoning. Supporters argue for the facility’s tech industry ties, while opponents express environmental and social concerns.
Mayor Erik Gitschier faced criticism for handling a heated community meeting. He emphasizes the need for calm discussion, despite the passionate debate over data centers in Lowell.