State fines DataOne $1M for pollution, permit violations involving Vineland data center
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for installing and operating 62 natural-gas power generators at its Vineland data center without required permits. This is the largest fine ever against a New Jersey data center, stemming from violations of the state's Air Pollution Control Act. The action supports Governor Mikie Sherrill's administration's broader efforts to regulate data centers, including new legislation for energy and water use reporting.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has levied a $1.07 million fine against DataOne for installing and operating 62 large natural-gas power generators at its Vineland data center without the necessary permits. This enforcement action, announced on September 22, follows a July 29 site inspection where the unpermitted generators were observed, leading to violations of the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act. The state has declared this the largest fine ever imposed on a data center in New Jersey.
DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak underscored the significance of the action, stating it sends a clear message that data centers will not operate with impunity in the state. Governor Mikie Sherrill's administration supports this accountability, having signed legislation on August 27 requiring data centers to self-report their water and energy usage semi-annually to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Additionally, legislation enacted in July mandates data centers use their own clean energy and establishes a separate rate class to protect other ratepayers from increased energy costs. The civil penalty assessment orders DataOne to immediately apply for and obtain the required permits or cease operations.