Bitcoin is showing signs of losing momentum. Despite the recent approval of ETFs and the cryptocurrency’s record-breaking price of over $69,000, it seems to have faded from the spotlight. However, the residents of Granbury, a small town in Texas, can’t stop talking about it, and not because they’re getting rich with it.
The source of the commotion is a massive Bitcoin mine that has disrupted the town’s peace and quiet. Earthjustice, a nonprofit legal organization representing the affected residents, has filed a lawsuit in the district court. In the lawsuit, the Earthjustice alleges that the mine’s constant operation has caused “excessive noise conditions,” disturbing the local residents.
Thousands of Processing Units and a Lot of Fans
The lawsuit alleges that neighbors are experiencing various negative effects, including sleep deprivation, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and stress. These issues have significantly disrupted the daily lives of many people, with some residents claiming that they even hear the mine’s noise inside their homes.
The facility in question is operated by Marathon Digital, a company that runs multiple cryptocurrency data centers in the U.S. According to Inside Climate News, the Granbury mine houses 20,000 computing units and has a temperature control system that consists of a liquid cooling system and fans.
The Bitcoin mine in Grandbury, Texas.
Earthjustice is asking the district court to halt the mine’s operations, although it would accept its continuation if Marathon Digital addresses the noise pollution issue. In fact, the company has presented a roadmap that would allow it to continue operating.
The inside of Marathon Digital’s Bitcoin mine.
Marathon Digital reports that 30% of its infrastructure in Granbury already uses liquid cooling, and it plans to expand this further by the end of the year. According to the company, it has also installed sound barriers and turned off fans directed towards the road.
It’s important to note that a Bitcoin mine is a facility that validates transaction information, maintains blockchain integrity, and creates new blocks. Companies that mine cryptocurrency receive a “block reward,” which is a financial incentive for their activity.
Image | Traxer | Marathon Digital [1, 2]
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