Data center diesel spill prompts N.J. river cleanup

Approximately 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, into a tributary of the Hackensack River on the evening of Sept. 11. Equinix operations staff detected the release from an external storage tank, stopped the leak, and began remediation efforts with a contractor. The company also contacted the Secaucus Fire Department, which notified state and local environmental and health agencies.

Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli attributed the spill to a "computer glitch" and noted that the facility, operational since 2001, had not experienced such an issue previously. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed the spill of No. 2 diesel fuel, stated it has been contained, and that a contractor is removing oil from the waterway. Barriers have been placed to prevent further spread into the larger river.

The incident has drawn criticism from environmental groups, including the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), which is advocating for a statewide moratorium and ban on new data centers in New Jersey. CRAN's executive director, Ben Dziobek, argued that local bans are insufficient and that the industry operates without adequate rules, leading to pollution and strain on the power grid.

Equinix stated it is conducting a full investigation into the root cause of the leak and is committed to a transparent and responsible resolution.