Vineland data center fined $1.07 million for air pollution violations
New Jersey's largest data center under construction in Vineland, operated by Data One, has been fined $1.07 million for air pollution violations. State officials found 62 natural-gas generators operating without required permits. Data One stated it disagrees with the determination but will apply for permits and transition to fuel cells.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a $1.07 million penalty against Data One's data center facility in Vineland, New Jersey, for violating air pollution laws. Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the fine, marking it as the largest enforcement action against a data center in New Jersey's history. The violations were discovered during a July inspection, which revealed 62 large natural-gas generators operating on site without the necessary permits required by the state's Air Pollution Control Act.
DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak emphasized that this action sends a clear message to the industry that such facilities will not operate with impunity. While environmental advocates like Matt Williams of Sustain South Jersey welcomed the action, they questioned the financial impact of the fine on a billion-dollar company. Data One, in response, stated its disagreement with the temporary generator determination but affirmed its intention to apply for the required air permits and continue its transition to low-emission fuel cells as a permanent power solution. The generators have also drawn complaints from residents in nearby Millville regarding noise, prompting an investigation by the Cumberland County Health Department. Data One has 45 days to obtain permits or cease generator operations.