New Jersey datacenter fined $1.1m after visual investigation showed dozens of unpermitted generators

New Jersey regulators have issued a record fine of $1.07 million against DataOne, a datacenter located in Vineland, for operating at least 45 gas-powered generators without the necessary state permits. This fine is the largest ever imposed on a datacenter in New Jersey, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Commissioner Ed Potosnak stated that the fine sends a clear message that such facilities will not be allowed to operate without adherence to regulations in the state. The investigation that led to this fine was conducted by Floodlight in collaboration with the Guardian, which revealed that DataOne's facility had been discharging significant amounts of health-harming air pollution for nearly a year prior to regulatory intervention. The facility's 62 gas-fired generators were identified in August during the visual investigation, which highlighted their operation without permits. However, the DEP did not disclose how long the generators had been functioning or the specific amounts of pollution they emitted into the surrounding community. The findings underscore the potential environmental and health impacts associated with unpermitted operations at datacenters. The DEP's action reflects a commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring that facilities comply with state laws regarding emissions and permits. The case serves as a notable example of regulatory oversight in the context of growing concerns about pollution from industrial operations.