Data Center Is Fined $1.1 Million for Operating 62 Power Generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.1 million for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas engines at a South Jersey data center. The site contains 123 megawatts of power equipment. This enforcement follows months of noise complaints from local residents and environmental concerns. Community advocates intend to file a lawsuit against DataOne for violations of the Clean Air Act. This action occurs amid a broader trend of community opposition to data center development in the Philadelphia suburbs and other US regions.
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- ✓ The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.1 million for using unpermitted natural gas generators.
- ✓ The South Jersey facility utilizes 62 natural gas engines and 123 megawatts of power equipment.
- ✓ Community advocates plan to sue DataOne for Clean Air Act violations.
What changed
Recent reports highlight a wider pattern of community resistance in the Philadelphia suburbs, including the cancellation of a planned 4.6 million-square-foot campus in King of Prussia.
Live updates
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New Jersey Fines DataOne $1.1 Million Over Unpermitted Generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.1 million for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas engines at a South Jersey data center. The site contains 123 megawatts of power equipment. This enforcement follows months of noise complaints from local residents and environmental concerns. Community advocates intend to file a lawsuit against DataOne for violations of the Clean Air Act. This action occurs amid a broader trend of community opposition to data center development in the Philadelphia suburbs and other US regions.
Why it matters
Data center expansion faces increasing resistance from local residents over environmental and noise impacts. In Pennsylvania, developers like Brian O'Neill have recently withdrawn plans for large-scale campuses due to community pressure. Public registries now track permit status and litigation for these facilities across the US.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.1 million for using unpermitted natural gas generators.
- The South Jersey facility utilizes 62 natural gas engines and 123 megawatts of power equipment.
- Community advocates plan to sue DataOne for Clean Air Act violations.
Still unconfirmed
- Brian O'Neill withdrew a plan for a 4.6 million-square-foot data center campus near King of Prussia.
What to watch next
- The filing of the Clean Air Act lawsuit by community advocates against DataOne.
- Legislative updates on state-level data center moratoriums.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.datacenterbans.com — Data Center Moratoriums
- www.phillymag.com — Suburban Philadelphians Are Fighting Against Data Centers ...
- www.europesays.com — Suburban Philadelphians Are Fighting Against Data Centers ...
- money.tmx.com — Ivanhoe Mines Issues 2026 Third-Quarter Financial Results, Overview of Operations and Exploration Activities
- suedatacenters.org — Data Center Registry: Every US Site by State and County
- www.cantechletter.com — Ivanhoe Mines Issues 2026 Third-Quarter Financial Results, Overview of Operations and Exploration Activities - Cantech Letter
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New Jersey Fines DataOne $1.1 Million Over Unpermitted Generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.1 million for running unpermitted natural gas generators at its South Jersey data center. The facility houses 123 megawatts of power equipment and uses 62 natural gas engines. Local residents previously raised environmental concerns and faced months of noise complaints from the site. Community advocates also plan to sue DataOne over Clean Air Act violations.
Why it matters
Data centers face mounting regulatory scrutiny and community pushback over heavy energy consumption and local pollution from backup power equipment. In New Jersey, the unpermitted operation of dozens of gas engines triggered state penalties and legal threats from residents. Similar environmental and health concerns regarding data center generators are drawing pressure from federal lawmakers in other states.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.1 million for operating unpermitted gas generators.
- The Vineland data center facility houses 123 megawatts of power equipment across 62 natural gas generators.
Still unconfirmed
- Community advocates plan to sue DataOne for Clean Air Act violations.
What to watch next
- Final resolution of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fine against DataOne
- Filing of the anticipated community lawsuit over Clean Air Act violations
- Permitting decisions regarding the 62 natural gas generators at the Vineland facility
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- en.wikipedia.org — Enron scandal - Wikipedia
- savrn.com — Nationwide Data Center Delay Watchlist - savrn.com
- whyy.org — Vineland residents plan to sue data center over gas engines ...
- www.gem.wiki — Coal waste - Global Energy Monitor
- worldwirereport.com — New Jersey Data Center Fined $1.1M for Illegal Generators
- www.gem.wiki — Massey Energy
- hoodline.com — Warnock, Johnson Press EPA on Georgia Data Center Diesel ...
- gmteight.com — GMT EIGHT - Latest - Jereh Group: Signs sales contract for ...
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Data center fined $1.1M for operating 62 power generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 natural gas generators without air permits. Community advocates plan to sue DataOne for Clean Air Act violations. The Vineland facility houses 123 megawatts of power equipment and has faced months of noise complaints.
Why it matters
The enforcement occurs as AI infrastructure deployment often outpaces existing permitting processes. Data centers are under increasing scrutiny from regulators and community advocates. The issue highlights the challenges of balancing rapid technological advancement with environmental regulations.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 natural gas generators without air permits.
- The Vineland facility houses 123 megawatts of power equipment.
- Community advocates plan to sue DataOne for Clean Air Act violations.
Still unconfirmed
- Congressional oversight and state AG scrutiny of data centers are rising, bringing new compliance and regulatory risks.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the planned lawsuit against DataOne
- The response of regulators to the increasing deployment of AI infrastructure
- The impact on DataOne's operations and future permit applications
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- earthjustice.org — Community Advocates Plan to Sue Data Center Company Over ...
- www.kslaw.com — Beyond the Bills: Congressional Oversight and State AGs Turn ...
- www.texastribune.org — Watchdog group criticizes TCEQ for advancing data center permits
- earthjustice.org — Illegal Pollution from Data Center Power Plants Shouldn’t ...
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New Jersey Fines DataOne $1.07 Million for Unpermitted Gas Generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined AI data center operator DataOne $1.07 million on September 22 for operating 62 natural gas generators without air permits. DataOne disputed the agency's findings regarding the temporary equipment but pledged to apply for permits and work with regulators. The Vineland facility houses 123 megawatts of power equipment and has faced months of noise complaints. This enforcement occurs as AI infrastructure deployment often outpaces existing permitting processes, with some builders ordering generators two years in advance to ensure delivery speed.
Why it matters
AI data centers are increasingly operating like power plants, creating friction with local environmental and noise regulations. While some regions face shortages of power equipment and skilled labor, regulators are struggling to oversee rapid deployments. Global operator surveys indicate that water usage and waste heat reuse remain low priorities for sustainability.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 natural gas generators without required air permits.
- The enforcement action against the Vineland AI data center was announced September 22.
- DataOne disputed the agency's determination regarding the temporary generators.
Still unconfirmed
- Data center builders are ordering generators two years in advance to prioritize delivery speed over cost.
What to watch next
- The outcome of DataOne's application for air permits.
- The state review process for the 12 diesel generators at the Vineland facility.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.newsweek.com — Texas data centers face crackdown calls as $500 fine derided
- www.datacenterdigest.net — New Jersey Fines Vineland AI Data Center $1.07 Million for ...
- www.yahoo.com — In Virginia, a data center ran diesel generators during a ...
- datacenters.economictimes.indiatimes.com — Data centre builders pre-order generators two years ahead
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DataOne Faces New Legal Challenges After Record $1.07 Million Fine
DataOne is facing a new legal challenge following a record $1.07 million environmental fine for operating 62 unpermitted gas generators at its Vineland AI facility. The facility, which contains 123 megawatts of power equipment, has also been the subject of months of noise complaints. Local officials and residents are now demanding a stricter state review before the company receives a permit to operate 12 diesel generators. This situation reflects a broader trend where U.S. cities are imposing moratoriums on data centers to evaluate impacts on water, electricity, and public resources.
Why it matters
The Vineland site is the largest AI data center in New Jersey. Regulatory scrutiny over data center emissions and noise is increasing across the U.S., including in Ohio and Virginia. Environmental lawsuits are currently causing delays and increasing costs for AI infrastructure development.
What is confirmed
- New Jersey fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 unpermitted gas generators at its Vineland AI facility.
- The Vineland facility contains 123 megawatts of on-site power equipment.
- Environmental lawsuits are causing delays and increasing costs for AI infrastructure.
- Some U.S. cities are implementing temporary moratoriums on data center approvals to assess impacts on public resources.
Still unconfirmed
- Residents and town officials are demanding the state take a harder look before approving a diesel generator permit for 12 generators.
- The Vineland facility has been the subject of months of noise complaints.
What to watch next
- The state's decision on the permit for 12 diesel generators
- The outcome of the new legal challenge against the Vineland facility
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.yahoo.com — This huge N.J. data center wants to run 12 diesel generators ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — data centre infrastructure: Latest News & Videos, Photos ...
- www.yahoo.com — N.J.'s largest AI data center just got hit with another ...
- www.huffpost.com — Bank Of America Fined $1.2 Billion By U.S. Government For ...
- stopohiodatacenters.org — Data Center Noise in Ohio: Cooling Towers, Generators ...
- www.environmentenergyleader.com — Data Center Generators Need a Diesel Plan Before Storms
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New Jersey Fines DataOne $1M for Unpermitted Generators
New Jersey penalized DataOne $1 million for operating 62 unpermitted gas generators at its Vineland artificial intelligence facility for nearly a year. The penalty stands as the largest data center fine in state history. Environmental groups previously demanded the site shut down following state inspectors discovering the 123 megawatts of on-site power equipment during a July 29 visit. Meanwhile, regulatory concerns over data center emissions span multiple states, including Virginia where diesel generators ran for 24 hours during an air quality alert, and Ohio where proposed facilities face legal challenges over carbon dioxide permits.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers has strained regional power grids and driven operators to deploy massive on-site generation equipment. Facilities across the country rely heavily on natural gas and diesel generators to maintain continuous operations. This reliance has triggered community pushback, state legislative moratoria proposals in 2026, and heightened scrutiny from environmental agencies over heavy pollution emissions near residential areas.
What is confirmed
- New Jersey fined DataOne $1 million for running 62 unpermitted gas generators for nearly a year.
- The $1 million penalty marks the largest data center fine in state history.
- The unpermitted natural gas generators at the Vineland facility provide 123 megawatts of on-site power.
Still unconfirmed
- DataOne emitted 140 tons of air pollution before being penalized.
- Environmental groups demand the facility shut down until it secures necessary air permits.
What to watch next
- Whether DataOne secures proper air permits to resume legal operation of its Vineland generators.
- Actions by New Jersey environmental regulators regarding further penalties or facility shutdowns.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — NJ Data Center Emitted 140 Tons of Air Pollution Before ...
- www.yahoo.com — Virginia Data Center Ran Diesel Generators for 24 Hours ...
- www.ailawsbystate.com — Data Center Moratorium by State 2026: Every Bill, Status ...
- stopohiodatacenters.org — Ohio Data Center Health Risks: Diesel Generators, Fuel Cells ...
- pasadenanow.com — Pasadena Senator Proposes Banning Diesel Generators at ...
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Data Center Fined $1.1 Million for Unpermitted Generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas generators at its Vineland AI data center. The generators provide 123 megawatts of on-site power. Environmental groups demand the facility shut down until it secures necessary air permits. State inspectors discovered the equipment during a July 29 visit.
Why it matters
This fine highlights regulatory scrutiny on data centers for environmental compliance. The data center industry is rapidly expanding to support growing AI and computing demands. Environmental regulations require such facilities to obtain proper permits for their operations. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and operational disruptions.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million.
- The fine was for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas generators.
- The generators provide roughly 123 megawatts of on-site power.
- State inspectors discovered the equipment during a July 29 visit.
What to watch next
- DataOne's response to the fine and plans for compliance
- Environmental groups' next steps in demanding facility shutdown
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's further actions or statements
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- learn.microsoft.com — Understand data concepts - Training | Microsoft Learn
- support.microsoft.com — Microsoft Edge, browsing data, and privacy | Microsoft Support
- learn.microsoft.com — Data for AI and Analytics - Guidance to set your organization's ...
- support.microsoft.com — Import and analyze data | Microsoft Support
- learn.microsoft.com — Data sources in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
- support.microsoft.com — Use Organization data types to view and insert data
- learn.microsoft.com — End-to-end data lifecycle in Microsoft Fabric
- learn.microsoft.com — Explore Core Data Concepts - Training | Microsoft Learn
- support.microsoft.com — Guidelines for organizing and formatting data on a worksheet
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Data center fined $1.1M for 62 unpermitted generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas generators at its Vineland AI data center. The generators provide roughly 123 megawatts of on-site power. Environmental groups demand the facility shut down until it secures necessary air permits. State inspectors discovered the equipment during a July 29 visit.
Why it matters
The fine reflects growing scrutiny of data centers' environmental impact. Local residents are increasingly opposing new data center construction. The industry's expansion is driven by demand for AI computing, which requires significant electricity.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas generators.
- The generators, each rated at 1,982 kilowatts, provide roughly 123 megawatts of on-site power.
- State inspectors discovered the equipment during a July 29 visit.
Still unconfirmed
- Local residents fret about data center construction in their area.
What to watch next
- DataOne's response to the fine and environmental concerns
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's next steps
- The impact on DataOne's operations and future permits
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.theverge.com — All the latest updates on AI data centers - The Verge
- alcor.com — IT Outsourcing to Ukraine in 2027
- www.distillintelligence.com — Latest DataOne News & Announcements | Distill
- hotair.com — Data Centers Face Fines, Permit Delays as States Weigh AI ...
- pressofatlanticcity.com — NJ residents dislike warehouses. They hate AI data centers
- energyathaas.wordpress.com — Buying Time, Burning Gas – Energy Institute Blog
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Data center fined $1.1M for 62 unpermitted generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas generators at its Vineland AI data center. The generators, each rated at 1,982 kilowatts, provide roughly 123 megawatts of on-site power. State inspectors discovered the equipment during a July 29 visit. Environmental groups are demanding the facility shut down until it secures necessary air permits.
Why it matters
The fine is the largest enforcement action of its kind. The data center's operations have raised concerns about air pollution and compliance with environmental regulations. The incident highlights the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million on September 22, 2026.
- State inspectors discovered 62 unpermitted natural gas generators at DataOne's Vineland AI data center during a July 29, 2026 visit.
- Each generator is rated at 1,982 kilowatts, providing roughly 123 megawatts of on-site power.
- Environmental groups are demanding the facility shut down until it secures necessary air permits.
Still unconfirmed
- The world economy may face a five-year fuel crisis due to damage to Gulf energy infrastructure.
What to watch next
- DataOne's response to the fine and the demands from environmental groups
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's next steps in enforcing environmental regulations
- The impact of the fine and the shutdown demands on DataOne's operations and the data center industry
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- floodlightnews.org — REVEALED: NJ data center emitted staggering amounts of air ...
- www.theguardian.com — US datacenter discharged large amounts of pollution for ...
- www.verity.news — New Jersey Fines AI Data Center $1M Over 62 Illegal Gas ...
- sonar21.com — The Five-Year Fuel Crisis: Why the World Economy Is Paying for a War It Thinks Is Ending
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New Jersey Fines DataOne $1.07 Million for Unpermitted Gas Generators
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million on September 22, 2026, for operating 62 unpermitted natural gas generators at its Vineland AI data center. Each generator is rated at 1,982 kilowatts, providing roughly 123 megawatts of on-site power. State inspectors discovered the equipment during a July 29 visit, noting the generators were not present during a December 2025 inspection. The NJ DEP described this as the largest enforcement action of its kind. Environmental groups are now demanding the facility shut down until it secures the necessary air permits.
Why it matters
The site is part of a capacity deal involving Microsoft and Nebius. The generators operate behind the meter to power high-density compute facilities without drawing from the utility grid. This case reflects growing regulatory scrutiny over the environmental impact of AI infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection fined DataOne $1.07 million on September 22, 2026.
- DataOne operated 62 natural gas generators without required air permits at its Vineland site.
- State inspectors found the generators during a July 29 visit, though they were not there in December 2025.
- Each generator is rated at 1,982 kilowatts, totaling approximately 123 megawatts.
- The Vineland facility is part of a capacity deal between Nebius and Microsoft.
Still unconfirmed
- Drone photography exposed the unpermitted gas generators.
- Federal regulatory changes that eased enforcement of backup generator emissions are increasing health risks.
What to watch next
- Whether DataOne obtains the required air permits or shuts down operations as demanded by environmental groups.
- Further enforcement actions by the NJ DEP against other high-density compute facilities.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.cryovex.com — New Jersey fines data center $1.1M after drone pics expose 62 ...
- www.yahoo.com — N.J. hit data center with record $1M fine — but angry ...
- runtimewire.com — New Jersey fines DataOne $1.07M over 62 unpermitted AI data ...
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- gardnermagazine.com — Local News Greater Gardner MA Schools – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
- computelaw.blog — New Jersey fines an AI data center $1.07 million for ...
- hoodline.com — West Jordan Data Center Noise Frustrates Nearby Residents - Hoodline
- article.wn.com — Data Center Fined $1.1 Million for Unpermitted Gas Power ...
- marcellusdrilling.com — NJ Hits Vineland Data Center with $1.07M Fine Over 62 Gas ...
- www.byteseu.com — NJ fines data center $1 million for illegally powering ...
- datacenters.economictimes.indiatimes.com — NJ fines AI data center over unpermitted on-site power generators
- wheninyourstate.com — New Jersey data center fine tops $1 million over unpermitted ...
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NJ Fines DataOne Data Center $1.1M for Unpermitted Gas Generators
New Jersey regulators penalized the DataOne facility in Vineland with a record fine of $1.07 million for running 62 natural gas-powered generators without proper permits. Each generator at the artificial intelligence data center is the size of a tractor-trailer. State officials issued the penalty following a visual investigation conducted by Floodlight and the Guardian, which exposed the unpermitted equipment. Local residents previously raised concerns regarding air and noise pollution coming from the Cumberland County site, while neighbors now fear that million-dollar penalties will not stop billionaire-backed facilities from continuing to pollute.
Why it matters
The action marks the largest enforcement measure ever taken against a data center by New Jersey state regulators. Unauthorized generation sources present significant environmental and regulatory challenges as demand surges for facilities supporting artificial intelligence infrastructure. The facility operates within Cumberland County.
What is confirmed
- New Jersey fined DataOne $1.07 million for running 62 unpermitted natural-gas generators at its Vineland data center.
- Each of the natural-gas-powered generators is the size of a tractor-trailer.
- This enforcement action is the largest ever taken against a data center in New Jersey.
- The state regulator penalty followed a visual investigation conducted by Floodlight and the Guardian.
- Vineland residents have pushed back against the data center, citing noise and air pollution.
Still unconfirmed
- Neighbors fear that million-dollar fines will not end pollution from billionaire-backed data centers.
What to watch next
- Whether DataOne applies for valid permits or decommissions the 62 natural-gas generators
- Further regulatory or legal actions by New Jersey environmental officials against Cumberland County data centers
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- arstechnica.com — New Jersey fines data center $1.1M after drone pics expose 62 gas generators
- aipolicydaily.org — OpenAI agent hacked Australian portal | CEOs seek UN AI rules | Sanders files superintelligence ban — A....
- www.yahoo.com — New Jersey hits data center with 'record' $1.1m fine after ...
- www.theguardian.com — New Jersey datacenter fined $1.1m after visual investigation ...
- www.yahoo.com — New Jersey Just Fined a Data Center $1 Million for an Illegal ...
- whyy.org — Vineland, NJ data center fined $1 million - WHYY
- www.theepochtimes.com — Data Center Fined $1.1 Million for Unpermitted Gas Power Generators | The Epoch Times
- www.inquirer.com — Cherry Hill will use $240,000 from opioid settlement for mental health professional
- cashwalklabs.io — Data Center Is Fined $1.1 Million for Operating 62 Power Generators | Global Cashwalk
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New Jersey Fines Vineland Data Center Over Unpermitted Generators
New Jersey officials fined the state's largest data center for operating 62 natural gas power generators without the required permits. The penalty for violating pollution laws totals $1.07 million, according to the Governor. The facility is located in Cumberland County. These air pollution violations center on the unauthorized use of the generators at the Vineland site.
Why it matters
Data centers rely on backup power to maintain uptime, but large-scale generator arrays can significantly impact local air quality. State regulators monitor these emissions to ensure compliance with environmental protection laws. This enforcement action targets the largest such facility in the state.
What is confirmed
- A data center in Vineland, Cumberland County, was fined for air pollution violations.
- The facility operated natural gas generators without a permit.
- The fine for the violations is $1.07 million.
- The site is New Jersey's largest data center.
Still unconfirmed
- The facility operated 62 power generators.
- The fine is $1.1 million.
What to watch next
- Court filings regarding the data center's appeal or payment of the fine
- Regulatory audits of other large-scale data centers in New Jersey
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- WHYY — Vineland data center fined more than $1 million for operating natural gas generators without a permit
- New Jersey Monitor — NJ slaps Vineland data center with $1M fine for unpermitted generators
- NBC10 Philadelphia — Vineland data center fined $1.07 million for violating pollution law: Governor
- nytimes.com — Data Center Is Fined $1.1 Million for Operating 62 Power Generators
- 6abc Philadelphia — New Jersey's largest data center fined $1.07 million for air pollution violations in Vineland, Cumberland County
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