“The Sound of Money: Bitcoin Mine in Granbury, Texas Causes Disruption and Health Concerns for Neighbors”
Residents in Granbury, Texas, are facing a new kind of disturbance in their neighborhood – the constant low hum emanating from a nearby Bitcoin mine operated by Marathon Digital. This persistent noise has led to complaints from residents, who claim it has caused them stress, loss of sleep, and other unexplained ailments. In response to this issue, a group of neighbors organized under the name Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow has filed a lawsuit in Texas state court against Marathon Digital, seeking a permanent injunction to stop the operation of the facility unless it can operate without producing disruptive noise.
The Marathon Digital facility, which has a capacity of 300 megawatts, is located alongside a gas-fired power plant called Wolf Hollow II. Residents have also expressed concerns about a proposed expansion of the natural gas facility, which could lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions. Texas has become a hotspot for Bitcoin mining due to its favorable business environment, including low taxes, vast land, minimal regulations, and easy access to the electric grid. However, the noise pollution from these facilities has become a major concern for communities in the state.
Bitcoin mining involves using computer algorithms to validate transactions and generate new coins. Marathon Digital operates thousands of computers round-the-clock to mine Bitcoin, with the process requiring constant cooling to prevent overheating. The fans used for cooling are reportedly loud enough to disrupt the lives of nearby residents, leading to health issues such as vertigo, hearing loss, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and tinnitus.
Earthjustice, the environmental law group representing the neighbors, plans to request a jury trial to determine whether the Bitcoin mine constitutes a private nuisance that infringes on homeowners’ rights. Marathon Digital has stated that it is working to address the noise issue by converting a portion of its computers to quieter liquid immersion cooling and intends to convert more in the future. The company maintains that the noise levels are within normal ranges and denies any scientific basis for claims of health problems caused by its operations.
Despite Marathon Digital’s efforts to mitigate the noise, residents like Danny Lakey continue to experience disruptions in their daily lives. Lakey and his family have been unable to enjoy simple activities like watching the sunset due to the constant noise from the Bitcoin mine. He has also observed negative impacts on his family’s health, with his grandson experiencing ear infections that they believe were caused by the facility. The ongoing lawsuit and community opposition highlight the challenges faced by residents living near Bitcoin mining operations in Texas.
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