Noise and Fury: Texas Town Battles Crypto Mine Over Health and Environmental Concerns

People in the small town have suffered multiple illnesses and say local natural habitats have been affected since Marathon built its factoryPhoto bySAMUEL LOVETT

Another story about the growing tensions between the burgeoning cryptocurrency mining industry and local communities is emerging in Granbury, Texas, where residents are taking a stand against the constant noise from a local Bitcoin mine operated by Marathon Digital. This facility, situated next to the gas-fired Wolf Hollow II power plant, generates a pervasive hum due to thousands of cooling fans that prevent overheating over 20,000 computers involved in Bitcoin mining. The noise has reportedly caused community members various health issues, such as vertigo, hearing loss, migraines, and more.

The mining operation is next to the Wolf Hollow II power plant. It has been a focal point for controversy not only because of noise but also due to its significant environmental impact. Locals have raised serious concerns about a proposed power plant expansion that would increase its carbon emissions significantly as it scales up to meet the mining operation's power demands, a self-perpetuating cycle of harm that could have far-reaching environmental implications. 

Cheryl Shadden says she has suffered nausea, diarrhea, headaches, recurrent sinus infections, and hearing loss.Photo bySAMUEL LOVETT

The residents of Granbury have taken a proactive stance, united under the advocacy group Citizens Concerned About Wolf Hollow and assisted by the environmental law group Earthjustice, have taken legal action. They've filed a lawsuit in state court demanding a permanent injunction to cease or modify the mine's operations to eliminate the noise pollution. They argue that persistent noise disrupts their daily lives, causes health issues, and infringes on their right to enjoy their property freely.

Photo byChart: The Times and The Sunday Times

Marathon Digital has responded by converting some computers to quieter liquid immersion cooling systems. It claims that the sound levels of their operation are within normal ranges and are not linked to any health issues. However, locals argue this, noting the significant personal disruptions and health concerns exacerbated by the noise. Some have even been forced to take drastic measures like relocating family members to avoid the disturbances, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Wolf Hollow data center in Granbury.Photo byCOURTESY OF MATT PRUSAK

The case in Granbury is just one of many, especially in Texas, now home to 10 of the country's 34 large Bitcoin mines. Texas lawmakers increasingly worry that energy-hungry mines will make providing the electricity required for the state's residents harder. In August 2023, the state’s grid operator issued eight conservation requests, asking the public to reduce electricity use to help prevent an emergency in which rolling blackouts could be required. In a public hearing last June, concerns about the massive energy demand growth on the state’s primary electrical grid were raised. Following the hearing, in a post on social media, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared, “We want data centers, but it can’t be the Wild Wild West of data centers and crypto miners crashing our grid and turning the lights off. ”