Environmental Impact and Community Tensions Surround Lowell Data Center

In Lowell, Massachusetts, Eileen Castle’s swimming pool used to be a community refuge during hot summers. These days, it remains empty due to the nearby data center’s impact on air and water quality. Castle, 82, worries about the effects on neighborhood children as data centers put a strain on local resources.

The Impact of Heat Waves on Data Centers

Hot weather increases electricity demand for data centers, affecting power grids and air quality. This is particularly true in areas like Lowell’s diverse Sacred Heart neighborhood. The expanding data center industry, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), faces criticism for these environmental effects.

Data centers, such as the one constructed by the Markley Group in Lowell, consume significant resources to manage heat waves. According to Shaolei Ren, a University of California, Riverside professor, these centers rely on two cooling methods: energy-intensive refrigeration and water-intensive evaporation. Diesel generators are used as a preventive measure to avoid outages, adding to local air quality concerns.

“Diesel emissions can harm health, even with brief exposure,” Ren explained. Too many generators during heat waves could drastically worsen air quality.

Markley Group’s Response and Community Concerns

Jeff Markley, CEO of Markley Group, stated that generators are used only during emergencies. Despite their efforts, including planting over 2,000 trees, community concerns remain. Castle, initially supportive, became wary as the facility expanded near her home, adding cooling tanks and surveillance cameras.

Community and Political Reactions

The Lowell City Council imposed a one-year moratorium on data center expansion after facing opposition. Jonathan Koomey, a longtime researcher on data centers, noted that while national demand growth is moderate, communities face environmental and economic costs.

As temperatures rise, data centers demand more power, exacerbating the risk of outages. Data centers represent large power loads, distinct from residential air conditioning demands, leading to coordination challenges for operators.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has issued guidelines to help mitigate risks posed by AI data centers.

Rising Tensions in Lowell

Recent tensions peaked when police detained a 14-year-old girl at a community forum on data center zoning. The incident highlighted the growing divide between data center opponents and supporters, including electricians benefiting from tech industry ties.

Mayor Erik Gitschier defended the police involvement, emphasizing the need for orderly debate amidst strong community opinions.

This situation reflects a broader conflict seen across communities facing data center expansions, with impacts on local resources and livability.