Google data center takes leak on God's green earth

EPA probes refrigerant spill

By Cade Metz in San Francisco • Get more from this author

Posted in Odds and Sods, 7th May 2009 00:01 GMT

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Google is under investigation by the US Environmental Protection Agency after one of its data centers allegedly leaked refrigerant onto God's green earth.

The Mountain View Chocolate Factory admitted the investigation in its latest quarterly SEC filing. But it was careful to lay the blame on DoubleClick, the giant advertising eyeball it consumed last year.

According to the filing, the alleged leakage came from one of the company's "smaller data centers" - one that it acquired with DoubleClick. Heaven forbid that the world assume a refrigerant leakage from one of Google's homegrown data centers, whose pod-ified designs are meant to save the world from destruction.

The EPA is also investigating "the accuracy of...statements and records" related to the alleged incident, Google says, and the probe could result in fines, civil or criminal penalties, or other administrative action. Though the company believes any punishment will "not have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows," it's worth noting that Google is up to its nostrils in cash.

In accordance with SEC rules, Google has noted that the EPA probe could lead to fines of $100,000 or more. ®