Diesel Spill at Equinix Data Center Raises Water Pollution Concerns in Secaucus, New Jersey
A diesel fuel spill from a storage tank serving an Equinix data center in Secaucus released about 5,000 gallons into Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River. New Jersey environmental officials worked to contain the spill, while Equinix said it would investigate the apparent computer glitch that caused it.
The article contrasts a proposed $125 million federal settlement to advance cleanup of the polluted Passaic River with a new diesel spill near a data center in Secaucus. About 5,000 gallons of fuel were released from a storage tank serving one of Equinix's four facilities in the city and entered Anderson Creek, although officials said they believed the fuel did not reach the Hackensack River.
Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli said the release appeared to stem from a computer glitch, while Equinix pledged to investigate and prevent a recurrence. The incident highlights environmental concerns surrounding data centers, including their reliance on diesel backup generators located near waterways, as new construction accelerates alongside demand from artificial intelligence companies.