DataOne, a datacenter in Vineland, New Jersey, reportedly emitted substantial amounts of air pollution for nearly a year before state regulators intervened, according to public records obtained by Floodlight. The Microsoft-linked facility was recently fined $1 million for operating generators without permits.
The facility's 62 gas-fired generators were found to be operating without permits following a Floodlight/Guardian investigation in August. According to a letter DataOne sent to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the generators began arriving in July 2025, with 16 starting operation in October 2025. By June 2026, all 62 generators were active.
Analysis of technical data by Rutgers assistant professor Xiaomeng Jin suggests the generators emitted approximately 140 tons of NOx in 2025. Jin's analysis indicates this could place DataOne among the state's top five NOx polluters for that year, based on EPA data. NOx gases are linked to health issues such as asthma and heart attacks.
The NJDEP is requiring DataOne to apply for and obtain the necessary permits or cease operations within 45 days. During this period, regulators are allowing the facility to continue running the generators.