Thousands of gallons of diesel spill from data center in Secaucus, New Jersey
Approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, into Anderson Creek. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and an environmental group is now advocating for a statewide moratorium on data center development in New Jersey.
An estimated 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a storage tank at an Equinix Data Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, into Anderson Creek. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) stated the spill, which occurred on a Friday, has been contained, and a contractor is actively removing oil from the tributary of the Hackensack River. While the NJDEP reported no impacts to the Hackensack River or local drinking water and wildlife, Bill Sheen of the Hackensack Riverkeeper expressed concern that it is too early to assess the full environmental impact. A computer glitch is believed to have caused the incident.
Equinix confirmed detecting the fuel release, stopping it, and immediately contacting relevant agencies. The company is working closely with officials and stakeholders for thorough remediation and a full investigation to prevent recurrence. Equinix emphasized its two decades of commitment to the community.
In response to this incident and broader environmental concerns, Ben Jobic, who heads the environmental group CRAN, called for a statewide moratorium on data centers in New Jersey, stating "We need to slow this down."