Key Takeaways
- New Jersey fines operator of a major data center $1.1 million.
- Thermal drone footage revealed 62 gas generators without required permits.
- Generators emit harmful pollutants, violating state regulations.
New Jersey has imposed a $1.1 million fine on the operator of a large data center after an investigation uncovered the unauthorized use of 62 gas generators, violating the state’s Air Pollution Control Act.
The fine was issued following a report by The Guardian and Floodlight News, which shared thermal drone footage showing that 45 of the 62 gas generators were in operation. These generators, which operate at 1,982-kw capacities, far exceed the state’s limit of 37-kilowatt capacity.
According to officials from New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), states closely monitor such generators because they emit harmful pollutants, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. These pollutants can exacerbate respiratory issues and contribute to heart attacks and early deaths.
The DEP noted that none of the generators had the necessary permits, despite their significantly higher capacities. The operators of the data center, known as DataOne, are required to obtain permits for generators with 37-kilowatt capacity or higher, but their operations far exceeded this limit.
The thermal drone footage, which was shared by the investigative journalists, provided clear evidence of the unauthorized use of the generators. The footage, taken in August, showed the generators in operation, highlighting the extent of the violation.
The fine is a significant blow to the data center’s operations and underscores the stringent regulations in place to protect public health and the environment. The DEP emphasized the importance of compliance with state regulations to prevent such violations in the future.
The operators of the data center have not commented publicly on the fine or the investigation, but the DEP stated that the fine is non-negotiable and must be paid in full by the deadline set by the state authorities.
Environmental advocates praised the fine as a necessary step to ensure compliance with state regulations and protect public health. They noted that the use of unpermitted generators poses a significant risk to the community and the environment.
