NJ Data Center Diesel Spill Prompts Renewed Scrutiny and Calls for Moratorium
An Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, spilled approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel into Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River. This incident has led to renewed scrutiny of data centers in the state and calls from environmental groups for a moratorium on large-scale data center development. State officials and local authorities are investigating and working on remediation.
An Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, experienced a diesel fuel spill of approximately 5,000 gallons into Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River. The incident, identified on Friday and reported to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on September 12, prompted Equinix to halt the leak, contact local fire and health departments, and hire Clean Harbors for remediation efforts.
DEP spokesperson Larry Hajna confirmed that the fuel was contained before reaching the main river, and initial reports indicate no impact on wildlife or drinking water. However, Hackensack Riverkeeper Bill Sheehan expressed skepticism about the containment, calling for the state to pursue a natural resource damages claim against Equinix for environmental restoration. Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli echoed this sentiment, stating his intention to pursue legal action.
This spill has intensified an ongoing debate regarding data centers in New Jersey. In May, over 60 environmental groups urged Governor Mikie Sherrill to enact an immediate moratorium on large-scale data center development. Governor Sherrill had previously announced new regulations requiring data center operators to report water and energy usage to the NJ Board of Public Utilities twice yearly for three years. The recent incident is expected to fuel further pushback and may influence future regulatory decisions concerning data centers in the state.