NJ data center DataOne fined $1.07M for air violations
DataOne, a data center in Vineland, New Jersey, has been fined $1.07 million by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for installing 62 gas generators without required permits. The City of Vineland also issued two stop-work orders due to construction permit violations. This action is considered the largest against a data center in New Jersey's history.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued an Administrative Order and Notice of Civil Administrative Penalty Assessment against DataOne, New Jersey's largest planned data center located in Vineland. The action includes a $1.07 million fine, which NJDEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak stated is the "largest action ever taken against a data center in New Jersey."
The violations stem from DataOne's installation of 62 gas generators without the required air pollution permits or operating certificates, a breach of N.J. Administrative Code Title 7, Chapter 27. Additionally, the City of Vineland issued two stop-work orders in August for construction permit violations at the site, which is building an "AI factory" designed for Nebius and constructed by Northeast Precast.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill commented on the penalty, reinforcing her administration's commitment to holding data centers accountable. She highlighted recent legislation requiring data centers to report energy and water usage to the Board of Public Utilities, emphasizing that such facilities will operate under New Jersey's terms, ensuring environmental protection and community investment. DataOne's website now projects a maximum capacity of 350 megawatts, exceeding the 300 megawatts approved in its plans.