Lowell councilors press Markley Group on diesel tanks, schedule site visit and sustainability talks

Markley Group representatives told a Lowell City subcommittee they are seeking council permission to add four diesel storage tanks to fuel backup generators at 1 Markley Way, increasing on‑site capacity by roughly 24,000 gallons and raising total on‑site capacity from about 47,000 to about 71,000 gallons.

The matter drew sustained public comment and questions from councilors about air emissions, neighborhood safety and long‑term plans. The subcommittee did not vote to approve any permits; members instead scheduled a council site visit that will include abutters and the city sustainability director, and set a first reading/public hearing for later in the month so the community can comment again.

Why it matters: the Markley data center provides resilience to telecommunications and institutional clients, the company says, but neighbors and some councilors said locating additional large fuel tanks and more generators next to residential streets raises environmental‑health and safety concerns in an area with existing pollution burdens.

Bill Martin, counsel for Markley Group, said the four new diesel tanks would serve backup generators that “kick on in the event of emergency” and that the additional equipment has completed MassDEP review for air emissions. “These are often critical operations that…