In a significant legal move, more than two dozen residents from Granbury, Texas, have united to file a lawsuit against Marathon Digital Holdings, a prominent player in the crypto mining industry. The lawsuit arises from the disruptive noise and vibrations emanating from Marathon’s local Bitcoin mining facility, which have reportedly led to severe disturbances in the daily lives of the residents.
Details About The Lawsuit
The lawsuit, brought before the Hood County Court, asserts that the unrelenting noise from the mining facility has severely interfered with the residents’ ability to enjoy the peace of their homes. The constant vibrations and roaring noises from the facility’s cooling fans, which run around the clock, have been highlighted as a major source of distress for the community.
Rodrigo Cantú, a senior attorney with Earthjustice, elaborated on the harmful effects of the noise pollution, noting that it poses a threat not only to the residents’ physical and mental health but also to the broader environment. The proof-of-work nature of cryptocurrency mining, especially Bitcoin, is energy-intensive, involving the continuous operation of thousands of computers solving complex algorithms.
In this context, the noise generated by cooling fans, essential for maintaining the mining equipment’s optimal temperatures, has become a significant issue for locals. Marathon Digital’s operations are conducted at the Wolf Hollow gas plant, a substantial 1,115-megawatt facility situated near Granbury. Granbury resident Cheryl Shadden shared her experience, indicating that the 24/7 mining activities have also led to an increase in local electricity consumption. She expressed her concerns, saying, “In such a short time, Bitcoin mining has completely altered our community, for the worse. The around-the-clock mining isn’t just driving up our electricity bills — it’s costing us our health.”
Calls for Immediate Action and Long-Term Solutions
The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for immediate and effective solutions. Residents are advocating for measures that could either shut down the mining facility or significantly reduce the noise pollution. Cheryl Shadden voiced the community’s frustration, stating, “We feel trapped. Day and night, we are subjected to relentless noise that is physically harming us. We aren’t asking for much — just for Marathon to take responsibility and restore our peace and well-being.”
Earthjustice, representing the Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow, is spearheading the lawsuit. The legal team, including Rodrigo Cantú, demands that Marathon Digital take definitive action to address the noise pollution or cease operations entirely. Cantú highlighted the broader implications, noting, “Persistent exposure to this noise is detrimental for human health, animals, and the environment. Residents’ homes are no longer the refuge that they should be. Marathon must take immediate action to effectively mitigate their noise pollution or shut down operations altogether.”
Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent further disturbances. They also seek compensation for damages, which include elevated electricity bills and a decrease in property values.
