15:35Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
DataOne Data Center Fined $1.07 Million Over 62 Generators
The “DataOne” data center under construction in Vineland, New Jersey, has been fined a record $1.07 million (approximately AZN 1.82 million). State inspectors discovered at the end of July that 62 unpermitted portable generators were powering the construction site. The facility was given 45 days to obtain permits for the generators or shut them down.
Vineland residents had complained about the noise from the generators at a city meeting held back in February. Inspectors said they did not see any generators when they first inspected the site in December of last year. According to residents, satellite images show some kind of power equipment at the site beginning in February. The issue was brought before a community meeting after these images emerged. The complaints are not limited to the generators. Residents say that an approximately 5.7-million-liter liquefied natural gas tank was also built without a permit. According to them, the loud noise from the construction site reaches homes approximately 800 meters away, especially at night. Residents also emphasize that the project was not adequately discussed with the public.
Residents say they learned that a data center was being built in their area after Microsoft’s $33 billion (approximately AZN 56.1 billion) agreement. The agreement was signed between “Microsoft” and “Nebius.” “Nebius” reached an agreement with “DataOne” to obtain the necessary computing capacity. Community members believe the fine is not a sufficient deterrent for a multibillion-dollar project.
“DataOne” disputes the fine and has announced that it will apply for a permit covering air emissions from the temporary generators. According to the company, it has begun replacing the noisy, more polluting portable turbines with modern fuel cells. Under the state’s decision, the generators must be shut down if the permits are not obtained within 45 days. Residents want a separate fine to be issued for each generator. A similar dispute also occurred in Memphis and Southaven. “xAI” had installed 69 unpermitted generators to power the “Colossus 2” data center. Residents filed a lawsuit on the grounds that thousands of tons of pollutants had been released into the air. The Department of Justice asked for the case to be dismissed, saying the facility serves critical operations. The company agreed to remove the turbines. However, because replacement plants with a capacity of 1.2 GW are being brought online in stages, the process is expected to take more than 1 year.
Vineland residents had complained about the noise from the generators at a city meeting held back in February. Inspectors said they did not see any generators when they first inspected the site in December of last year. According to residents, satellite images show some kind of power equipment at the site beginning in February. The issue was brought before a community meeting after these images emerged. The complaints are not limited to the generators. Residents say that an approximately 5.7-million-liter liquefied natural gas tank was also built without a permit. According to them, the loud noise from the construction site reaches homes approximately 800 meters away, especially at night. Residents also emphasize that the project was not adequately discussed with the public. Residents say they learned that a data center was being built in their area after Microsoft’s $33 billion (approximately AZN 56.1 billion) agreement. The agreement was signed between “Microsoft” and “Nebius.” “Nebius” reached an agreement with “DataOne” to obtain the necessary computing capacity. Community members believe the fine is not a sufficient deterrent for a multibillion-dollar project. “DataOne” disputes the fine and has announced that it will apply for a permit covering air emissions from the temporary generators. According to the company, it has begun replacing the noisy, more polluting portable turbines with modern fuel cells. Under the state’s decision, the generators must be shut down if the permits are not obtained within 45 days. Residents want a separate fine to be issued for each generator. A similar dispute also occurred in Memphis and Southaven. “xAI” had installed 69 unpermitted generators to power the “Colossus 2” data center. Residents filed a lawsuit on the grounds that thousands of tons of pollutants had been released into the air. The Department of Justice asked for the case to be dismissed, saying the facility serves critical operations. The company agreed to remove the turbines. However, because replacement plants with a capacity of 1.2 GW are being brought online in stages, the process is expected to take more than 1 year.