A group of more than two dozen residents from Granbury, Texas, has filed a lawsuit against Marathon Digital, claiming that noise from its nearby Bitcoin mining operation is causing significant disruption to their lives and health. The residents, who live near Marathon’s mining facility, argue that the noise from the site is a “nuisance” and has caused various physical and psychological issues, including fatigue, headaches, hearing loss, memory problems, and increased blood pressure.
Allegations of Health Impacts and Disturbance
The lawsuit, filed on October 4 in a Hood County court, alleges that the constant, unrelenting noise and vibrations from Marathon’s Bitcoin mining facility have negatively impacted the health and well-being of those living in the vicinity. Residents claim that they can hear the noise and feel vibrations even inside their homes, leading to extreme discomfort. The plaintiffs also argue that the noise has made it difficult for them to use and enjoy their properties.
The residents’ lawsuit further claims that some individuals have experienced increased health problems, with existing conditions like high blood pressure worsening due to the noise. In addition to the health impacts, the plaintiffs argue that the mining operation has also resulted in higher electricity bills and decreased property values in the area.
The Demand for Action
The group, which is being represented by Rodrigo Cantú, a senior attorney with the environmental nonprofit Earthjustice, is demanding that Marathon Digital either mitigate the noise pollution immediately or shut down the mining operations altogether. They are seeking a permanent injunction that would prevent the facility from generating any unreasonable noise. The residents also request compensation for the impact on their quality of life and the associated financial losses, as well as coverage of court costs.
Marathon’s Bitcoin Mine in Granbury
Marathon’s Bitcoin mining facility in Granbury was initially built in April 2022 by the original owner, Compute North Holdings, and is located near the Wolf Hollow II gas-fired power plant. The mine has changed ownership multiple times, with Marathon taking over the lease in January 2023. Prior to Marathon, Hut 8 Corp operated the site until April 30, 2023.
Some residents began to notice the noise in the spring of 2023, which they claim has only worsened over time. Marathon’s July 2023 earnings report indicated that the company operates 250,000 Bitcoin mining rigs across its various sites. While it’s unclear how many rigs are located at the Granbury facility, it has a hashrate of 4.3 ExaHashs per second (EH/s), making it a significant player in Bitcoin mining.
Comparisons to Other Bitcoin Mine Noise Disputes
This case is not the first instance of Bitcoin mine noise sparking legal disputes. In Norway, residents in the Hadsel municipality successfully pushed to shut down a local Bitcoin mine in 2022 due to its noise pollution. However, this victory has not come without consequences, as residents are now facing higher electricity bills due to the loss of revenue for the local power company that previously benefited from the mine’s operations.
The Larger Debate Over Crypto Mining and Environmental Impact
This lawsuit is part of a broader debate around the environmental and societal impact of large-scale cryptocurrency mining operations, particularly Bitcoin mining, which requires substantial energy resources and can produce significant noise and pollution. While Bitcoin mining operations provide jobs and contribute to the local economy, they have also drawn criticism from communities near mining sites due to the noise, energy consumption, and potential environmental effects.
The case against Marathon Digital highlights the tension between cryptocurrency mining and the local communities that host these operations. As the crypto industry continues to grow, such disputes may become more common, prompting calls for regulation and mitigation efforts to balance the needs of mining operations with those of nearby residents.
Conclusion
The Granbury, Texas lawsuit represents the growing concerns that many residents have about the impacts of cryptocurrency mining on their quality of life. As more towns and cities host large-scale crypto mining operations, lawsuits like this one could prompt further scrutiny of the industry, potentially leading to new regulations around noise pollution, energy use, and the social responsibility of crypto companies. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how local communities address the challenges posed by the growing presence of cryptocurrency mines.
