Crypto Clash: Texas Residents Sue Marathon Digital Over ‘Unbearable’ Bitcoin Mining Noise

As a long-time resident of Granbury, Texas, I can attest to the drastic changes that have occurred in our once peaceful community due to Marathon Digital Holdings’ crypto mining facility. The constant noise and vibrations from the cooling fans have turned our homes into battlefields, causing severe health impacts such as fatigue, hearing loss, and headaches.


Over twenty-four locals from Granbury, Texas, have initiated a legal action against Marathon Digital Holdings, a prominent cryptocurrency mining company, claiming that the facility’s Bitcoin mining operations in their area are causing an unacceptable level of sound and vibration.

Based on reports from locals, the cryptocurrency mining operation situated close to their residences has brought about substantial disturbances to their routine living, leading to an annoyance that has brought about serious health consequences such as exhaustion, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and migraines.

Details About The Lawsuit

A legal action initiated at the Hood County Court alleges that the continuous din produced by the mining facility has disrupted residents’ peace, making it difficult for them to comfortably use their homes. This disturbance comes from both the recurring vibrations and the incessant humming of the crypto mining machines’ cooling fans, which operate round-the-clock.

Earthjustice’s senior lawyer, Rodrigo Cantú, underscored that the noisy cryptocurrency mining operations using proof-of-work methods can negatively impact the health (both physical and mental) of nearby residents and pose harm to the local ecosystem as well.

Significantly, the mining of digital currencies like Bitcoin is characterized by a power-consuming operation called proof-of-work. In this method, numerous computers work tirelessly to find solutions for intricate mathematical problems.

For the residents near Marathon Digital’s site, the constant humming of cooling fans used for maintaining ideal temperatures for their mining equipment has emerged as a significant disturbance.

Marathon’s cryptocurrency mining operations are situated at Wolf Hollow gas plant, a large-scale power facility located near Granbury. In response to a lawsuit, local resident Cheryl Shadden expressed her concerns about the continuous mining activities, stating they have also led to an increase in the area’s electricity usage. Shadden pointed out:

remarkably fast, Bitcoin mining has significantly transformed our local community, unfortunately with detrimental effects. The persistent mining operations are not only escalating our energy costs but also posing a threat to our well-being.

Calls for Immediate Action And Long-Term Solutions

The lawsuit highlights the urgent need for solutions, with residents seeking measures to shut down the mining facility or drastically reduce the noise pollution. Shadden, for instance stated:

We’re finding ourselves in a distressing situation. Around the clock, we’re exposed to unyielding sounds that are causing us physical discomfort. All we’re seeking is for Marathon to acknowledge their part in this problem and help us regain our tranquility and health.

In a legal action initiated by Earthjustice for the group called Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow, they are requesting that Marathon Digital takes steps to reduce the noise level from their operations, or cease operations completely if they cannot effectively manage the noise pollution.

Rodrigo Cantú, who is also one of Earthjustice’s legal team, noted:

Prolonged contact with such noise poses a threat to human wellbeing, animal life, and ecosystems. Homes, once considered sanctuaries, are now adversely affected. It is imperative that Marathon takes swift action to significantly reduce their noise emissions, or else they may need to temporarily halt operations.

Furthermore, the claimants aim to secure a lasting court order that halts the mining operation to eliminate persistent noise issues, and they also request reimbursement for incurred expenses such as elevated energy costs and reduced property valuations.

Crypto Clash: Texas Residents Sue Marathon Digital Over ‘Unbearable’ Bitcoin Mining Noise

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2024-10-09 16:12