Residents Near Granbury Take Legal Action Against Noisy Bitcoin Mining Facility

Residents Fed Up with Bitcoin Noise

Residents just outside Granbury, Texas, are expressing their frustration as their once peaceful community is disrupted by the incessant noise from a nearby Bitcoin mining facility. This disturbance has been particularly noticeable since last fall, leading to a lawsuit against Marathon Digital Holdings.

55-year-old Daniel Lakey, who dreams of retiring in tranquility, describes how the noise has invaded their lives. "It's 10 p.m. and I'm sitting next to my truck, and you're hearing all the Bitcoin noise. That's all you can hear," he lamented. Lakey has recorded over a dozen instances of this intrusive noise, with some recordings reaching nearly 85 decibels.

The lawsuit claims that Marathon's cooling system, which uses large industrial fans, is the main source of the noise that disrupts the residents' lives. Other plaintiffs, like Cheryl Shadden, report severe health issues attributed to the constant noise, stating, "We don't sleep at night; the sound here at night is so horrendous it broadcasts through my walls and windows."

Despite the complaints, Texas law currently provides no means for local authorities to regulate noise pollution, leaving residents with few options. Marathon Digital, however, has rejected the allegations, asserting that their operations are within legal sound limits and that they are committed to being a good neighbor. They are taking steps to mitigate noise, including constructing a sound wall made of acoustic dampening material and transitioning to liquid immersion cooling systems.

The plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction from the court to stop the noise and vibrations they claim are causing unreasonable discomfort. As of now, a hearing has not yet been scheduled.