In Granbury, Texas, residents are contending with a new kind of neighbor: a Bitcoin mine operated by Marathon Digital. The issue isn’t financial prosperity, but rather, noise pollution. The constant low hum from this facility has reportedly led to stress, sleep disturbances, and other ailments for local residents.
A group, under the name Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow, has taken legal action against the Bitcoin mine. Filed in the Hood County state court, the lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to halt operations unless the facility can mitigate its noise output. The neighbors are represented by Earthjustice, an environmental law organization.
This 300-megawatt mining facility is located next to the Wolf Hollow II gas-fired power plant. Residents have previously voiced concerns over a proposed expansion of this plant due to potential environmental impacts, including the emission of up to 760,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, as discussed here.
Texas has rapidly become a hotspot for Bitcoin mining, attracted by the state’s favorable policies such as low taxes, minimal regulations, and opportunities to connect directly to the electric grid. Although political attention has largely been on the increased power demand placed on the state’s electrical infrastructure, the noise generated by these operations has proven to be an immediate concern for affected communities.
The Granbury facility, featuring more than 20,000 computers, uses a combination of liquid immersion and fans to prevent overheating. These fans are the primary source of the noise complaints. According to Earthjustice, over two dozen residents experience direct health impacts due to this phenomenon, including vertigo, migraines, and anxiety.
For more detailed insights into the residents\u2019 grievances and the dynamics of Bitcoin mining in Texas, visit the Inside Climate News article.