Pou: Secaucus data center waited over 7 hours to report diesel spill to NJDEP
An Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, reported a 5,500-gallon diesel spill to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection more than seven hours after the leak began. Rep. Nellie Pou is seeking a full accounting as cleanup and investigations continue, including concerns about possible contamination near the Hackensack River.
A 5,500-gallon diesel spill at Equinix's data center at 275 Hartz Way in Secaucus began as early as midday on Sept. 11 but was not reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection until 7:43 p.m. An Equinix security guard discovered the leak after fuel polishing operations had continued for hours; the facility then isolated fuel lines, stopped a generator and began deploying spill-response materials.
Rep. Nellie Pou, whose district includes Secaucus, is pressing NJDEP and Mayor Michael Gonnelli for a full explanation. NJDEP inspections have found no evidence that diesel reached the Hackensack River, although discoloration was reported in vegetation downstream near a tributary. About 4,000 gallons have been recovered from waterways and canals, cleanup remains underway, and Equinix has fired its site engineer while the cause and remaining contamination are investigated.