Crypto mining giant Marathon Digital Holdings is facing a lawsuit filed by residents of Granbury, Texas, over what they claim is excessive noise pollution from the company’s Bitcoin mining operations. Locals allege the noise has severely disrupted their health and quality of life, prompting them to seek legal action and a permanent injunction to halt the mining activities.

Health and Quality of Life Impact

The lawsuit, filed with the Texas State Court in Hood County, claims that the constant noise generated by Marathon’s Bitcoin mining facility has led to serious health problems for nearby residents. According to Earthjustice, a nonprofit environmental law firm representing the plaintiffs, at least two dozen community members have reported a range of health issues. These include permanent hearing loss, migraines, tinnitus, and even severe vertigo, which they attribute to the relentless noise produced by the facility.

Residents also report a significant decline in their quality of life, with homes once considered peaceful now being described as unbearable due to the near-constant noise and vibrations from the mining operations. The lawsuit likens the situation to being trapped in a “prison,” as the crypto mine continues to disturb their daily routines and health.

Rising Electricity Costs and Property Value Concerns

Beyond the physical health complaints, the lawsuit also highlights the economic impact the mining facility has had on the community. Several residents have reported sharp increases in their electricity bills, with some paying $100 to $200 more per month since the mining facility began operations.

Additionally, the lawsuit raises concerns about property values in the area. Residents claim that the constant noise has led to a drop in the value of their homes, with potential buyers hesitant to invest in properties near the crypto mine.

The lawsuit aims to secure a permanent injunction against Marathon Digital, forcing the company to reduce or eliminate the noise pollution from its mining operations. It also seeks other relief that the court deems necessary to protect the well-being of the community.

Failed Attempts to Mitigate Noise

This legal action comes after months of complaints from Granbury residents. Since November 2023, locals have reported the disruptive noise to local authorities, including the Hood County Constable and Sheriff’s Office. Despite these complaints, little has changed. While Marathon attempted to address the issue by constructing a 24-foot sound barrier around the facility, residents argue that these efforts have fallen short of reducing the noise to an acceptable level.

Local regulations have also proven insufficient in controlling the problem. Noise violations carry a maximum fine of just $500, which residents claim is not a strong enough deterrent for a company as large as Marathon Digital.

In response to earlier complaints, Marathon commissioned a third-party sound study and pledged to investigate further, but residents say the noise issues persist, leaving them no choice but to take legal action.

Texas: A Growing Crypto Mining Hub

The lawsuit against Marathon Digital also shines a spotlight on the broader issue of cryptocurrency mining in Texas. Following China’s ban on crypto mining in 2021, Texas emerged as a prime location for mining operations due to its low electricity costs and favorable regulations. By April 2023, Texas was home to five of the ten largest Bitcoin mining facilities in the U.S.

However, the rapid expansion of crypto mining has raised concerns about its impact on local communities and the state’s power grid. Residents in various parts of Texas have reported rising electricity costs as mining facilities consume massive amounts of energy. There are also growing fears that these operations may strain the state’s power grid, especially during periods of high demand.

The Granbury mining site, in particular, has changed ownership several times since its inception in 2022. Originally owned by Compute North Holdings, it passed to U.S. Bitcoin Corp. and Hut 8 Mining Corp. before Marathon Digital Holdings took over in early 2024. Each transition has brought changes, but the noise issue has remained unresolved.

Conclusion: Legal and Community Battle Over Bitcoin Mining

As the lawsuit against Marathon Digital moves forward, it highlights the tension between the growing cryptocurrency mining industry and the communities impacted by its operations. While Texas remains a hub for Bitcoin mining, concerns over noise, rising electricity costs, and declining property values are likely to fuel ongoing debates about the industry’s long-term sustainability in the state.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how crypto mining companies manage their operations near residential areas, and it remains to be seen whether Marathon will be forced to make significant changes to address the community’s concerns.