Drone photo by Michael Ein, ecreative
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently fined Data One, Vineland’s South Lincoln Avenue data center, $1.07 million because it was using natural-gas burning generators without DEP permits.
The agency gave the company 45 days to apply for permitting. As of press time, no application was forthcoming.
The company previously represented that it would be using a non-polluting technique where natural gas powers fuel cells by chemical means, not by combustion. The company explained it was “transitioning” to the cells.
Use of non-permitted generators, even on a temporary basis, violates the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act, DEP claimed.
“As announced in the Spring, we are transitioning to low-emission, quiet fuel cells as part of the site’s permanent power solution and have the necessary approvals in place for this solution. While we disagree with the temporary generator determination, we will apply for the air permits for the temporary generators and are in communication with the Department of Environmental Protection regarding its findings and the fuel cell transition timeline, said Data One spokesperson Naomi Race in a media release.
“This enforcement action—by far the largest ever taken against a data center in New Jersey and possibly one of the largest such actions in the nation—sends a clear message that these facilities will not be constructed or operated with impunity in this state,” said Ed Potosnak, the department’s commissioner.
According to Floodlight, a nonprofit newsroom that focuses on climate news, it first revealed the non-approved generators last month after using thermal drones to discover them.
