The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) issued a notice of alleged violations against QTS in October. It concerns one of the largest data centers planned in the state, in Aurora, which may have been built without the required emissions permits.
QTS is planning three large data centers on its Aurora campus, with servers and backup generators. The generators run on diesel fuel, and permits to install and operate them are issued by the APCD.
In March 2025, QTS received a permit from the APCD to build 40 generators for the first data center. According to the APCD, in July an inspector found that the company had nearly finished the exterior of the second facility even though it did not have a “valid construction permit.”
During a follow-up inspection in September, after the company had been notified, the inspector saw that the exterior of the second data center was complete and that construction of the third had already begun. Regulators also accused the company of failing to comply with permit conditions for generators that are already operating.
The notice is an allegation of violations, not a final ruling. The available materials do not state QTS’ position on the allegations or any possible penalties.
QTS has 40 generators on site, and in July 2025 it applied for approval of 98 more. The application to modify the permit is being reviewed by state regulators. The 65-acre campus is expected to require at least 160 megawatts of power.
According to CPR News, the notice could heighten tensions over data centers in Aurora. The city council has already held contentious hearings on moratoriums and may soon bar tax breaks for them.
Source: CPR News
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