Microsoft-Backed Data Center Faces Backlash Over Unpermitted Gas Turbines and Noise Pollution

A Microsoft-backed data center in Vineland, New Jersey has faced severe backlash over various issues, including unpermitted gas turbines and an LNG tank. The DataOne data center, which began construction in 2025, was initially supposed to be a secret project, but residents discovered it after the $19.4 billion deal with Microsoft was made public.

According to Stand.earth, the site has been operating several unpermitted gas turbines on site, emitting air pollution near two local schools. Additionally, an unpermitted 1.5-million-gallon liquefied natural gas storage tank and unacceptable noise levels at night have raised concerns among residents within a half-mile radius of the data center.

Investigations revealed that the site had deployed 62 gas turbines, with at least 45 running at any given time, similar to SpaceXAI's deployment in Memphis. The stormwater management system has also been criticized for not complying with state regulations, which could lead to on-site and off-site flooding.

Stand.earth Senior Campaigner Nathan Taft compared Microsoft's actions to Elon Musk's xAI playbook of causing damage first and asking for permission later. Residents are now calling on Microsoft to take responsibility for the issues and adhere to its community-friendly commitments.