Secaucus mayor says 'computer glitch' cause of thousands of gallons of diesel to spill from Secaucus data center
Approximately 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, into a tributary of the Hackensack River. The incident, attributed to a "computer glitch" by the mayor, has prompted cleanup efforts and renewed criticism from environmental advocates. Groups are now calling for a statewide moratorium on data center development in New Jersey.
An estimated 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, into Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River, last Friday. Equinix stated that its operations staff detected the fuel release from an outdoor storage tank at its NY2 facility on September 11, stopped the leak, and initiated remediation with Clean Harbors. The company also notified local and state authorities, including the Secaucus Fire Department, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Hudson Regional Health Commission.
Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli characterized the spill as the result of a "computer glitch," noting that the data center, operational for over 25 years, had no prior incidents. The DEP confirmed the spill of No. 2 diesel fuel has been contained, with contractors working to remove oil from the tributary. While cleanup is ongoing and the smell of oil persists, authorities have reported no impact on drinking water or wildlife.
The incident has reignited criticism from environmental organizations, particularly the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN). Ben Dziobek, CRAN's executive director, called the spill evidence of unchecked industry operation and reiterated the need for a statewide moratorium on data centers in New Jersey, arguing that local bans are insufficient to address environmental and grid strain issues. Equinix has committed to a full investigation to determine the root cause and ensure thorough remediation.