Microsoft‑Linked NJ Data Center Fined $1M After 62 Unpermitted Generators Ran For Months, Releasing Large Amounts Of NOx

DataOne, a Microsoft‑linked data center in Vineland, New Jersey, was fined $1 million after state regulators concluded the site had been operating a fleet of 62 unpermitted gas‑fired backup generators for many months. Public records and thermal drone footage obtained by Floodlight indicate the generators were installed beginning in July 2025 and were brought online in stages through June 2026.

Expert Emissions Estimates Raise Alarm

Floodlight provided technical records to independent experts who estimated the emissions from the fleet. Xiaomeng Jin, an assistant professor at Rutgers, calculated the generators likely emitted about 140 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) during the period reviewed. Both Jin and former EPA air enforcement chief Bruce Buckheit warned that, at full capacity, the 62 generators could emit more than 1,500 tons of NOx per year — nearly twice the allowance of New Jersey’s largest permitted NOx source.

Vineland resident and local flower grower Michael Atkinson says DataOne is "one of the richest and worst neighbors that I have ever had to deal with in my entire life." (Evan Simon / Floodlight)

"Operating the generators results in very high levels of air pollution," said Bruce Buckheit. Jin added that such emissions could offset decades of air quality gains.

Health And Community Impacts

NOx compounds are linked to asthma, heart attacks and premature death. Neighbors reported persistent noise and health concerns: longtime resident Tiffany Leone‑Vespa described the noise as "like an airplane in the back of my house." Records show more than 100 noise complaints to the Cumberland County Department of Health since March; county inspectors documented noise violations during at least one visit.

Regulatory Context And Company Response

Under New Jersey law, any source capable of emitting more than 25 tons of NOx per year is considered a "major source," triggering stricter permitting, public review and pollution controls. NJDEP ordered DataOne to obtain required permits or cease operations and assessed a civil penalty, but it is allowing 45 days for the company to apply for permits — during which the generators may continue to operate.

DataOne CEO Charles-Antoine Beyney speaks with Vineland residents about the data center during a January town hall. (BFA Sports Media / YouTube)

DataOne disputed NJDEP's initial determination but now says it will apply for permits and is "transitioning to low‑emission, quiet fuel cells as part of the site's permanent power solution." A Microsoft spokesperson said the company expects suppliers and partners to meet regulatory obligations and is working with DataOne on the transition.

Timeline And Local Reaction

According to company records, generators began arriving in July 2025: 16 units went online in October 2025, 16 more in early February, and by June all 62 were operating. DataOne told regulators the fleet had accumulated more than 46,000 collective operating hours by the time inspectors documented them in July 2026.

Farmland surrounds the controversial data center in Vineland where for months residents have complained of noise pollution that many suspect is linked to the site's generators. (Evan Simon / Floodlight)

Local farmers and residents have expressed frustration that large, polluting equipment operated near homes and farmland for nearly a year with limited enforcement, and some are calling for independent air monitoring to protect public health.

What’s next: NJDEP has set a 45‑day window for permit applications or shutdown; independent monitoring and the company’s promised fuel‑cell transition will be central to resolving community and regulatory concerns.