A new incident report is providing more details about a major diesel spill in Secaucus that sent thousands of gallons of fuel into a tributary of the Hackensack River.
Equinix said approximately 5,500 gallons of diesel fuel leaked from its data center on September 11 and entered Anderson Creek, which flows into the Hackensack River.
According to the company’s preliminary findings, debris became lodged in two valves, preventing them from closing properly and allowing diesel to continue flowing for roughly four hours.
The report also found that an on-duty engineer failed to recognize and respond to warning alerts while the spill was occurring. Equinix told News 12 New Jersey that the employee is no longer with the company.
State environmental officials continue to oversee cleanup and monitoring efforts in the area.
Local officials said there has so far been no confirmed damage to wildlife or vegetation, though environmental monitoring is continuing.
The spill raised concerns because Anderson Creek feeds into the Hackensack River, an important North Jersey waterway surrounded by wetlands, wildlife habitat and heavily developed communities.
Equinix says it is reviewing procedures and equipment to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection remains involved in the response as cleanup work continues.
Sources: News 12 New Jersey; Equinix; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
By NJ RADAR Team