Thousands of gallons of diesel leak at AI data center in Secaucus
Thousands of gallons of diesel fuel leaked from an Equinix AI data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, prompting environmental concerns. Cleanup efforts are ongoing by the NJDEP. This incident has led to renewed calls for a statewide moratorium on data center development.
A significant diesel fuel leak occurred at an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, prompting an ongoing cleanup effort by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel discharged from a storage tank on a Friday, with cleanup operations along Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River, continuing into the following Monday. The Hackensack Riverkeeper reported being informed that a computer glitch was the cause of the spill.
The NJDEP stated that the spill has been contained, no impacts to the Hackensack River have been observed, there are no drinking water intakes in the area, and no wildlife impacts have been reported. However, Bill Sheehan from the Hackensack Riverkeeper expressed concern that it is "too early to know" the full environmental ramifications.
Equinix confirmed detecting the fuel release, stopping it, and immediately contacting relevant agencies. The company stated it is working closely with these agencies, local officials, and community stakeholders to ensure thorough remediation and is conducting a full investigation to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence. Equinix emphasized its two-decade presence in the community and commitment.
The incident has reignited discussions about data center development in Secaucus, a location where numerous such facilities have been built. Ben Jovic, head of the environmental group CRAN, called for a slowdown in data center construction and advocated for a statewide moratorium on data centers in New Jersey.