Community Struggles Against Bitcoin Mining Noise
Residents of a small Hood County, Texas, community have been unsuccessful in their efforts to establish a new city aimed at controlling noise generated by a nearby Bitcoin mining operation. A recent article from The Texas Tribune highlighted that just 38% of the 138 voters supported the initiative to form the proposed municipality, dubbed “Mitchell Bend,” which would encompass a two-square-mile area inhabited by about 600 individuals.
Concerns Over Noise Pollution
For the past three years, locals have voiced their frustrations regarding the disturbances caused by MARA’s Bitcoin mining site, which operates approximately 60,000 machines essential to maintaining the security of Bitcoin’s substantial network valued at around $2 trillion. Complaints from residents have included difficulty sleeping, persistent headaches, and even hearing loss, leading some to leave the community altogether.
Efforts to Mitigate Noise
In an effort to mitigate the noise issue, MARA has taken steps such as building a 24-foot wall intended to act as a sound barrier and converting two-thirds of its cooling mechanisms to a quieter liquid cooling system. However, these measures have not sufficiently addressed the concerns, prompting residents to pursue the incorporation of Mitchell Bend.
Legal Challenges and Community Response
Despite the community’s push, MARA had previously attempted to prevent the vote from proceeding by filing a lawsuit in late October, arguing that the creation of Mitchell Bend would be detrimental to its operations and could impose financial strain due to potential taxation. Although the court did not uphold their request, a spokesperson for MARA expressed approval at the election results, stating:
“We’re pleased that Hood County voters saw through the sham incorporation effort and rejected it at the ballot box.”
Nevertheless, local resident Danny Lakey remains determined, asserting that this setback won’t deter their efforts. He stated:
“Although we took a loss here, we are going to move forward and we will continue to do what we can to not let industry take over Hood County.”
This highlights the community’s ongoing struggle against the noise pollution. Previous attempts by residents to address noise violations by MARA and its site manager, David Fischer, have also not yielded results.
Similar Trends in Other Communities
In a similar vein, in Arkansas, the planning commission of Vilonia recently turned down proposals for a crypto mining facility due to strong local opposition, illustrating a growing trend in communities grappling with the effects of industrial operations on quality of life.
