5,000 gallons of diesel spill from New Jersey data centre into creek
Cleanup is underway in New Jersey’s Meadowlands after about 5,000 gallons of diesel spilled from an Equinix data centre in Secaucus into Anderson Creek. Officials said the fuel was contained before reaching the Hackensack River. Hackensack Riverkeeper Bill Sheehan has called for a natural resource damages claim against the company over the spill.
Around 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from a storage tank at Equinix Data Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. The spill occurred in Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River, before authorities could prevent it from reaching the larger body of water. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed the leak was discovered on Friday evening.
Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesperson, stated that the narrow section of Anderson Creek allowed for easier containment of the fuel. However, Bill Sheehan from Hackensack Riverkeeper expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact. While data centers in the Meadowlands have operated for years without issues, Sheehan worries that ongoing expansion could lead to future problems.
Equinix hired Clean Harbors for cleanup and remediation efforts, with crews expected to work at the site for several days. Vacuum trucks removed a mixture of fuel and water, which was then treated and disposed of away from the site. Equinix plans to conduct a full investigation into the incident and aims to resolve the situation promptly.
The DEP has not indicated whether Equinix could face fines or enforcement action. Sheehan has urged state authorities to pursue a natural resource damages claim against Equinix, arguing that such a claim would fund environmental restoration for the damage caused by the spill. This claim could draw parallels to a 1994 barge spill on the Hackensack River that led to a major restoration project in Jersey City.
Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli supports the push for a natural resource damages claim, while the Mayor emphasized his commitment to holding the polluter accountable. The diesel spill adds to the ongoing debate surrounding data center development in New Jersey, with nearly 100 municipalities banning new data centre construction. Environmental activists have called for a statewide moratorium on such developments, citing concerns about pollution, strain on the electric grid, and rising utility costs.
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