Home / Environment / Secaucus Data Center Leaks 5,000 Gallons of Fuel
Secaucus Data Center Leaks 5,000 Gallons of Fuel
16 Sep
Summary
- Approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a Secaucus data center.
- The spill was contained before reaching the Hackensack River; no wildlife impact observed.
- A 'computer glitch' was cited as the cause of the fuel storage tank leak.
Approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, over the weekend, flowing into a tributary of the Hackensack River. State officials confirmed the spill on Tuesday, stating it has been contained and a significant portion of the fuel was removed. The incident, attributed by the Secaucus mayor to a 'computer glitch,' occurred Friday night.
Environmental monitoring has shown no impact on the river or wildlife. Equinix is investigating the root cause and has hired an environmental remediation company. This spill highlights growing environmental concerns surrounding data centers, which are increasingly vital for AI systems and rely on diesel generators for backup power.
Data centers' energy demands and the risk of fuel spills are becoming political issues, with advocates calling for moratoriums. While diesel spills are infrequent, their effects can be long-lasting. New Jersey has implemented regulatory measures and allows local zoning control for data center accountability.
