What to know

• The DataOne facility in Vineland, New Jersey — built to support Microsoft's $19.4B GPU supply deal with Nebius — has been operating 62 unpermitted gas turbines and an unlicensed 1.5-million-gallon LNG storage tank, causing air pollution and noise near two local schools.
• Construction began in 2025 before the Microsoft partnership was public; residents only discovered the project after the major deal was announced, prompting city officials to hold a town hall in January 2026.
• Engineering reviews found the site does not comply with state stormwater regulations, underestimated groundwater recharge by at least 20 million gallons annually, and risks flooding and aquifer depletion across its 55-acre footprint.
• Environmental groups argue the facility mirrors xAI's Memphis deployment strategy of building infrastructure first and seeking permits afterward, contradicting Microsoft's positioning as a responsible technology partner.

“the data center has 'underestimated the annual groundwater recharge by at least 20 million gallons per year,' which could result in lower aquifer levels and reduce the amount of water available or the water quality”

Third-party engineering review, Engineering assessment · Tom's Hardware

Microsoft Data center customer and partnerNebius Data center operatorCharles-Antoine Beyney DataOne CEOMatt Williams Chairperson, Sustain South JerseyNathan Taft Senior Campaigner, Stand.earth