As a resident of Granbury, Texas, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of our once peaceful community into a bustling hub of crypto mining. Initially, I was intrigued by the potential economic benefits this new industry could bring. However, the reality has been far from rosy.
Residents of Granbury, Texas have filed a lawsuit against the significant player in cryptocurrency mining, Marathon Digital, alleging excessive noise pollution. They argue that this disturbance negatively impacts their wellbeing and interferes with their normal routines.
A cluster of residents from Grabury have initiated a legal action in the Texas State Court, Hood County, against Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc., claiming that the company’s Bitcoin mining operation is leading to significant health and lifestyle concerns for people residing in close proximity.
Based on reports from the environmental law organization Earthjustice, representing local residents, it’s been found that over two dozen individuals have experienced significant health issues such as lasting hearing impairments, excruciating headaches (migraines), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and severe dizziness (vertigo).
As a researcher delving into this topic, I can’t help but underscore the mounting apprehensions about escalating electricity expenses within our community, as evidenced by some residents experiencing a surge of approximately $100 to $200 every month in their utility bills.
Besides the burden of financial stress, locals are also grappling with a significant decrease in property value due to persistent loud noises and tremors from the cryptocurrency mining operations, which transform tranquil living spaces into something more akin to a confinement zone.
The legal action aims to compel Marathon to permanently halt the production of excessive noise from their activities, and additionally requests any remedies the court considers necessary to safeguard the community’s rights and welfare.
Rodrigo Cantú, a senior lawyer at Earthjustice, stated that residents’ houses are no longer peaceful sanctuaries. He emphasized the urgent need for Marathon to implement measures to lessen the excessive noise they produce.
The lawsuit follows multiple noise complaints by residents to local authorities, such as the Hood County Constable and Sheriff’s Office, from November 2023 through March 2024.
Previously, as cryptically mentioned on news sites about crypto, efforts to lessen the disturbance, such as building a 24-foot sound barrier, have not been entirely effective. Residents claim that local laws are powerless, with noise infractions leading only to a penalty of $500.
Currently, Marathon has contracted an external party for a sound assessment and has vowed to delve deeper into the matter for more insights.
A crypto mining hub
Mining of cryptocurrencies, known for the continuous humming of numerous powerful computers and cooling devices, has become a significant center in Texas. With China prohibiting crypto mining in 2021, Texas swiftly rose to prominence as a prime choice. This is because it offers affordable electricity prices and regulatory benefits that appeal to miners.
By April 2023, the state had become home to five out of the ten biggest Bitcoin mining operations in the U.S., with the colossal Riot facility in Rockdale being one of them. Yet, this rapid expansion of cryptocurrency mining has sparked worries regarding its influence on the state’s power grid, escalating electricity bills for locals, and an increase in health-related issues.
As a researcher tracing the ownership history of the Granbury mining site, I’ve discovered that it has seen several changes since its establishment in 2022. Initially owned by Compute North Holdings, it was subsequently transferred to U.S. Bitcoin Corp., then Hut 8 Mining Corp., before finally being passed on to Marathon Digital Holdings, who assumed control in early 2024.
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2024-10-08 10:42