New Jersey fines DataOne $1.07 million for unpermitted generators at Vineland data center
DataOne has been fined $1.07 million by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for operating 62 natural-gas generators at its Vineland facility without required permits. This incident has led to renewed calls from advocates, including Pinelands Alliance, for a statewide moratorium on data center construction in New Jersey.
The operator of New Jersey's largest operating data center, DataOne, faces a $1.07 million fine from the state's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The penalty stems from violations of the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act, specifically for installing and operating 62 large, natural-gas power generators at its Cumberland County facility in Vineland without the necessary permits. State inspectors discovered the unpermitted generators during a July visit, though a previous inspection occurred in December.
This action follows Governor Mikie Sherrill's recent signing of a law in August, mandating all data centers statewide to report their water and electricity usage to the Board of Public Utilities every six months. Environmental advocates, including the Pinelands Alliance, have responded to the fine by reiterating their demands for a statewide moratorium on data center construction, citing concerns over environmental contamination and constant exposure for residents.