Lowell subcommittees refer Markley Group’s request for nearly 97,000 gallons of additional diesel storage to full council for public hearing

Attorney William Martin, representing the Markley Group, presented a request to the joint Environmental and Flood Issues Subcommittee and the Neighborhood Subcommittee to add emergency diesel storage to support additional backup generators at the Markley data center in Lowell. The petition would add 14 tanks of 6,000 gallons and two tanks of 6,350 gallons, stated in the presentation as a total additional storage of about 96,700 gallons.

The petition drew lengthy public comment from neighborhood residents and environmental advocacy groups who urged the city to deny any expansion of diesel storage and to require a community benefits agreement before approving further permits. Residents cited concerns about respiratory health, noise, stormwater impacts and transparency. Several speakers asked for independent air-monitoring, regular public reporting of generator runs and limits on future expansion.

Why it matters: The Markley site sits in a dense, residential area near schools and parks. Neighbors and some councilors said the cumulative local impacts of noise, dust, drainage and stored fuel warrant a public hearing and deeper community engagement before the council considers permitting additional fuel storage.

Key points from the presentation and agency staff - Attorney William Martin and Markley consultants said the facility is primarily electrically powered and that diesel is maintained only for emergency backup. Martin said testing occurs “five minutes a week and then there’s a two-hour test annually.” - Aaron Fernandez, director of design for Markley, said…